A rail tanker explosion that occurred in Bexar County last Friday caused the death of two workers. Employees of Cru Railcar Services were cleaning out crude oil residue inside a rail tanker when an explosion occurred. The incident happened at the Alamo Junction Rail Park in the 12500 block of Old Corpus Christi Road.
One of the workers, Gary Garza, 39, was pronounced dead at the scene after authorities found him trapped inside the rail tanker.
Another worker sustained severe burns and was impaled by a cable in his side. The second worker was airlifted in critical condition to Brooke Army Medical Center. Elmendorf police Chief Marco Pena identified the second worker as Roger Noriega, age 42. According to Chief Pena, Noriega died on Monday night at Brooke Army Medical Center.
Four other workers also suffered injuries in the tanker explosion. Pena said the four have since been released from the hospital.
Chief Pena also said that officials with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration are investigating the explosion to determine what might have caused it. In a statement, Pena said:
“As you all know, there was a tragic incident at our Alamo Junction facility on May 10th. We are currently conducting an investigation and are cooperating with all of the authorities. At this point, our thoughts and prayers are for our employees and their families."
Everyone here at The Law Office of George P. Escobedo & Associates, PLLC gives our condolences to the families and friends affected by this tragic accident. As worker’s compensation lawyers, we know firsthand how devastating workplace accidents can be for survivors of the deceased.
If you need help pursuing compensation for a deadly workplace accident, call (210) 807-3178 to speak with a member of our legal team. Schedule your free consultation today.