Generator Explosion Injures 2 In Pinellas Park: Fire Department

PINELLAS PARK, FL — Two men were injured in a Pinellas Park generator explosion late Thursday night, authorities said.

After Hurricane Ian knocked out electricity in their neighborhood, those staying at a home in the 7900 block of 53rd Way north relied on a generator for power, Operations Chief Robert Angell with the Pinellas Park Fire Department told Patch.

As the men worked on the generator around 11:30 p.m., it exploded, burning both of them, he said.

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One of the men was so severely burned that he was trauma alerted to Tampa General Hospital for treatment by its burn unit, according to Angell.

He suggests those using generators at their homes or businesses follow manufacturer’s guidelines.

“But if they don’t understand that, the best thing you can do is shut it off and let it cool down before working on it or refueling it,” he said. “Never fill a generator while it’s running. It can cause severe injuries, even up to death.”

While generators can help people affected by powerful storms stay connected and provide electricity, there are dangers that come with them if not used correctly.

Carbon monoxide poisoning, electrocution, and fire are all potentially fatal risks of misusing portable generators, according to Accuweather.com. In fact, portable generators produce as much carbon monoxide as hundreds of cars and can kill a person within minutes, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Those refueling a gas-powered generator are advised to turn it off and let it cool before filling up its gas, according to Consumer Reports. “Gasoline spilled on a hot engine can ignite. Allowing the engine to cool also reduces the risk of burns while refueling.”

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