Three employees suffered serious injuries in an explosion in Pasadena, CA, that ripped apart a delivery truck fueled by compressed natural gas.
All three men were hospitalized, with one in critical and two in serious condition.
The incident occurred while employees of California Linen Services, dba Dy-Dee Diaper Service, were refueling a delivery truck that operates on compressed natural gas (CNG), according to the Pasadena Star-News.
Investigators believe the vehicle’s fuel tank exploded, destroying the truck. The tank shot about 1,000 feet into the air and landed about 200 feet away. No one was injured by the falling tank.
The explosion caused an estimated $112,000 in damage to vehicles and the linen company building’s contents.
Witnesses said the explosion felt like an earthquake.
Cal-OSHA is investigating and won’t release any information about possible causes until its investigation is complete.
Federal OSHA has regulations for the regular inspection and maintenance of CNG storage cylinders.
OSHA 1910.101 requires fueling station operators to conduct regular visual inspections to determine that compressed gas cylinders are in a safe condition.
Cylinders must be retested every five years, including a visual internal and external examination together with a test by interior hydrostatic pressure in a water jacket or other suitable apparatus.
State OSHA rules must be as strict, but can be more stringent, than the federal regulations.