Food truck explosion results in record-breaking $160M settlement

A Pennsylvania food truck owner and her 17-year-old daughter both perished from burns sustained during a devastating explosion. The blast also left nine other individuals and two minors with severe injuries. One of the children required numerous surgeries to recover from burns, scars and disfigurement to 65% of his body, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer. 

At Engle, Kauffman & VanHorn, P.C., we understand how a catastrophic accident can change the course of events for your family’s future. A civil lawsuit may be necessary to provide for expensive medical treatments, rehabilitation and loss of the ability to enjoy life to its fullest. 

As reported by PhillyVoice, the record-breaking $160 million settlement awarded as a result of the truck explosion is purportedly one of the largest in the Keystone State’s history. The compensation may help the survivors gain some closure and heal from the tragic incident while also holding the U-Haul company liable for its employees’ alleged harmful actions. 

The deceased 42-year-old food truck owner went to a U-Haul subsidiary to fill up the propane tanks that she used to operate her business. The employees filled the propane tanks even though reportedly outdated and lacking in the required safety valves. They allegedly overfilled the tanks and did not leave enough room so that the gas inside could expand. 

In its defense, U-Haul argued its employees did not fill the food truck operator’s propane tanks despite what appeared to be video evidence showing their involvement. The company stated, however, that it will make changes to the safety procedures for its propane program. U-Haul also faces federal charges for allegations of hazardous-materials violations, with one charge related to the fatal food truck explosion. The company intends to enter a not-guilty plea.