Gas line explosions are no laughing matter. They can cause serious damage and loss of life. This is why energy companies are serious about people calling right away when they smell gas. Sadly, one cannot always avoid disaster.
Earlier this week in the eastern town of Ludwigshafen, Germany, a gas line exploded. The huge explosion killed a construction worker, injured 26 others, damaged 50 homes, and left a 20-foot-deep crater in its wake. If that sounds crazy, just wait until you see the pictures. They look like something out of a Michael Bay film.
Here is the giant fireball of the explosion from the gas line.
Apparently, construction workers were trying to repair a problem on the line when the explosion happened.
This picture is one of the most terrifying things I’ve ever seen.
Luckily, firefighters were able to get the fire under control within two and a half hours.
The fire still managed to cause some serious damage.
I really hope they paid their car insurance this month.
Ludwigshafen is very lucky that there was only one fatality. This could have easily been much, much worse.
(Via: Imgur)
The lesson here is that the next time you smell gas, make sure to call the gas company. This kind of thing could happen anywhere. Be safe when around gas-powered appliances.