Local

Rumpke explains how fiery garbage truck explosion could’ve been avoided

DAYTON — A fiery explosion could have been avoided if hazardous household waste had been disposed of properly.

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As reported on News Center 7 at 5:30, the explosion occurred in the 4000 block of Elbern Avenue in Whitehall on Wednesday, Jan. 29, as sanitary workers were emptying trash into the garbage truck.

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As previously reported by News Center 7, an oxygen tank illegally placed in a garbage can caused the explosion.

Molly Kennedy, Rumpke Communications Director, said this happened because the compressor inside the truck, known as the packer, put pressure on the tank.

“Unfortunately, we do tend to see those more often than we would like to. People tend to think, you know, trash is trash, it’s going to go to the landfill, it’s fine,” Kennedy said.

Kennedy said no one was injured because the workers were prepared.

“One of the drivers pulls out the fire extinguisher right away, starts spraying down the inside of the truck that, you know, caught on fire. He took the proper safety protocols,” she said.

Brett Barnett with Fidelity Health Care said oxygen tanks aren’t built for garbage trucks.

“There’s programs that show how hard it is to get the tank to rupture. So they’re safe if everyone does the right way,” Barnett said.

Barnett installs tanks for people who need home care. He tells them to send the tank back when they’re done using it.

“You would reach out to the provider or company that provided that equipment, they will be responsible to come pick it up and dispose of it correctly,” Barnett said.

He also recommends dropping off toxic household waste at a recycling center instead of putting it in a trashcan.

News Center 7 will continue to follow this story.

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