Blitz Gas Can Lawsuit Filed Over Third Degree Burns

A lawsuit has been filed by the parents of a Texas teenager who suffered severe burns that were allegedly caused by a defective Blitz gas container. 

The gas can lawsuit was filed by Kenneth and Pam Crouch on behalf of their daughter, Brooke Crouch, on July 29 in the Eastern District of Texas, Texarkana Division against Blitz U.S.A. Inc.

According to the complaint, a friend of the teenager attempted to reignite a campfire by pouring gasoline on it from a Blitz gas can. When the vapors outside the can ignited, it caused the can to explode, causing Brooke Crouch to suffer severe burns.

Burning gasoline sprayed out of the exploding can, dousing the girl on her legs and hands and under her skirt, causing her to suffer third-degree burns. She had to undergo surgical procedures, physical therapy and skin grafts in a burn unit as a result of her injuries.

The family alleges that the Blitz gas can explosion and the girl’s injuries could have been prevented if the product had been sold with a flamer arrestor or other safety device. The lawsuit accuses the company of manufacturing and marketing a defective gas can, strict liability, failing to adequately warn consumers of the possible risks and negligence.

Gas can flame arrestors are an inexpensive safety feature, which usually costs under 50 cents to add to a container. They have small holes within the gas spout, which prevents flames from entering the containier.

The “technology” has been around for over 200 years, as they were first used to prevent explosions when coal miners carrying lanterns encountered pockets of gas within the mine. They are currently found on a number of different products, including certain bottles of Bacardi Rum. Blitz USA participated in a U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) task group on flame arrestors in 2007.