An explosion at a hospital in Gatesville, Texas, has killed at least three people and injured another 13, some critically. The explosion happened on June 26 at around 2:00 p.m. inside a construction area at Coryell Memorial Healthcare System, which was undergoing work to house a physical plant for the hospital. Specifically, the site of the blast was a boiler room. Despite the blast occurring at a hospital, no patients or hospital staff were killed or injured.
Coryell Memorial Hospital Explosion Felt Throughout Town
The explosion at Coryell Memorial Healthcare System was strong enough to knock out power in some parts of town. Eyewitnesses said they saw black smoke rising from the blast site, while debris scattered across the area. Patients at the hospital were evacuated, as were two nursing homes that lost power.
Attorneys at Baum Hedlund Aristei & Goldman have experience thoroughly investigating devastating fires and explosions and have represented many people whose lives were affected by such tragedies. Our attorneys represented people who were injured or killed in the 1986 Dupont Plaza Hotel fire in Puerto Rico.
Who Are the Victims of the Texas Building Explosion?
Three people are confirmed dead while others remain in the hospital in critical condition with extensive burns. Among the deceased:
- Michael Bruggman, 44, a subcontractor of the Lochridge-Priest team, died in the explosion.
- Filiberto Morales, 36, also known as Angel, died in Scott & White Medical Center two days after the Gatesville hospital explosion. He was employed by Network Controls.
- Wilber Dimas, 30, died on Sunday, July 15 after being in a medically induced coma at Dell Seton Medical Center with burns over 70 percent of his body, including in his lungs.
Meanwhile, a dozen people also suffered severe injuries related to the Gatesville explosion.
Hospital Under Renovations at Time of Blast
Adolfson & Peterson is reportedly the general contractor for the hospital expansion, a large-scale project that began in November 2016. Lochridge-Priest, a subcontractor, was on site when the blast occurred. At least some of the victims were Lochridge-Priest employees.
Investigators from the Occupational Health and Safety Administration and the Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office are investigating whether the explosion was a construction accident or related to a gas line. Although officials have wrapped up their examination of the explosion site, a full investigation could still take six months to complete.
Meanwhile, a judge issued a temporary restraining order for the site to prevent any clean-up that could destroy evidence. Once legal teams have had an opportunity to examine the site, the hospital will begin clean-up efforts.
Fire Accident Lawyer
Our attorneys understand the devastation caused by explosions like the Gatesville hospital explosion. We will fight to ensure you and your loved ones obtain the compensation you’re entitled to. This includes conducting a thorough investigation, speaking with experts, preserving evidence, determining liability, and filing a lawsuit if necessary.