An explosion injury can result in severe penetrating ballistic trauma, often caused by flying shrapnel, debris, or high-velocity projectiles. These injuries can affect vital organs, cause life-threatening blood loss, and leave victims with permanent impairments. When a serious explosion occurs in Houston, the force alone can propel dangerous fragments at high speeds, leading to devastating consequences.

Blast-Induced Projectile Trauma

Explosions generate extreme pressure waves that propel debris and shrapnel at high speeds, leading to penetrating ballistic injuries. These high-velocity projectiles can tear through soft tissue, fracture bones, and damage internal organs, leaving victims with severe and sometimes fatal wounds. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) 29 CFR § 1910.109 regulates how explosives must be stored and handled to reduce the risk of catastrophic injuries from accidental detonations.

When an explosion is caused by negligence, unsafe work conditions, or criminal activity, the severity of injuries increases. Federal law, including 18 U.S.C. § 844, establishes strict penalties for the unlawful use of explosives that result in injury. These regulations exist to protect workers, military personnel, and the public from preventable explosive-related work injuries.

Shrapnel and Debris Penetration Injuries

Explosions scatter metal fragments, broken glass, and concrete debris, turning everyday objects into deadly projectiles. These materials can cause deep, penetrating wounds that affect muscles, nerves, and internal organs. The severity of the injuries depends on the speed, size, and trajectory of the debris at the moment of impact.

High-Velocity Metal Fragment Wounds

Explosions often propel sharp metal fragments from machinery, weapons, or structural materials, causing deep, penetrating wounds. These fragments can embed in soft tissue, sever arteries, or puncture internal organs, leading to life-threatening complications. Victims often require immediate surgery to remove embedded debris and prevent infections or internal bleeding.

Glass and Concrete Penetration Injuries

Shattered glass and concrete chunks can cause serious lacerations, deep tissue damage, and eye injuries. When glass shards penetrate the skin, they can create jagged, irregular wounds that require surgical intervention. Concrete fragments, especially from collapsed buildings or explosions in enclosed spaces, can cause crushing injuries and significant blood loss.

Bone and Organ Damage from Explosive Ballistic Trauma

Explosive blasts can cause severe bone fractures and internal organ damage, even without direct contact with shrapnel. The pressure wave from an explosion can crush bones, dislocate joints, and rupture internal organs, leading to life-threatening internal bleeding. Victims may suffer complex fractures that require reconstructive surgery, metal implants, or long-term rehabilitation.

Organs such as the lungs, liver, and intestines are especially vulnerable to blast trauma. The force of an explosion can cause internal hemorrhaging, collapsed lungs, or ruptured blood vessels, requiring emergency medical intervention. Even if external injuries appear minor, internal damage may be severe and require immediate diagnostic imaging and surgical treatment.

Common Sources of Ballistic Injuries in Explosions

Explosive blasts can cause ballistic injuries in a variety of settings. The following are some of the most common sources of these injuries:

• Industrial explosions
• Construction site detonations
• Military combat zones
• Terrorist attacks
• Chemical plant accidents
• Defective explosive devices
• Gas leaks and pipeline failures
• Fireworks or illegal explosives
• Improperly stored ammunition

Penetrating ballistic injuries from explosions often require extensive medical treatment, multiple surgeries, and long-term rehabilitation. The severity of these injuries depends on the force of the blast, the type of debris involved, and the victim’s proximity to the explosion. After such an incident, contact The Doan Law Firm as soon as you can to receive assistance from your case.