Overview
- The blast occurred last Wednesday when a garbage truck’s packing blade compacted trash containing medical oxygen cylinders and sent a sanitation worker to the hospital with an eye injury and a concussion.
- Department of Public Works manager Rick Myers said two oxygen tanks exploded and two more were recovered from the truck hopper during the incident.
- Officials said a piece of shrapnel lodged in the worker’s eye was removed and that mandatory safety glasses and training likely reduced the severity of the injury.
- Milwaukee police are investigating, and city officials used released video of the explosion to remind residents that medical oxygen tanks must be reclaimed by the supplying company while propane cylinders may be taken to city drop-off sites.
- City officials warned improper disposal can carry fines up to $5,000 and said the incident echoes similar, rare explosions reported elsewhere, underscoring renewed enforcement and outreach to prevent further harm to crews.