The case in summary An explosion in a home in Langesund in Bamble is probably due to a propane leak and smoking. Three walls, all doors and windows were blown out of the house and it is now demolished. Professor Dag Bjørketvedt explains that little propane is needed for such an explosion to occur, and that the damage would have been much greater with more propane in the room. Functional department director at DSB, Brit Skadberg, warns against storing propane cylinders indoors and gives advice on safe storage. Two people were injured in the explosion, and the extent of the damage is described as moderate. It is too early to say anything for sure about how the gas leak occurred. The summary is made by an AI service from OpenAi. The content is quality assured by news’s journalists before publication. Just before 05:00 this morning, three walls, all doors and windows were blown out of a house in Langesund. Shortly afterwards it became clear that the explosion was probably due to a propane leak combined with smoking. Very little propane is needed for such an explosion to occur, explains professor of combustion and energy technology at USN, Dag Bjørketvedt. – It could have been a propane tank, a dirty pipeline or a cooking appliance that has been left on that has caused the propane leak, says professor of combustion and energy technology at USN Dag Bjørketvedt. Photo: USN / USN – The way I see it, this has not been a very large or powerful explosion. But those who were present and in the neighborhood will probably perceive it. – But it was still enough to tear down three house walls? – Yes, you don’t need more than a few tens of grams, maybe 100 grams of propane in this context. If there had been more propane in the room, the damage would probably have been much greater than what we see from the pictures. – Keep the propane bottles outside Gases such as propane and butane are highly flammable, says Acting Department Director at DSB Brit Skadberg. – If you get a leak in a closed room, the gas will settle and accumulate on the floor. Only a small spark is needed for an explosive fire to occur. – Ensure good ventilation around the propane bottles and a good distance from flammable material, says Brit Skadberg, acting department director at DSB. Photo: DSB The safest thing is to store the gas cylinders outdoors, according to Skadberg. – Should a leak occur inside, you must turn off the gas, ventilate and by all means do not use fire or electrical appliances. These rules apply The police will investigate the cause of the explosion in Bamble and DSB will assist them in the further work, Skadberg states. – In this type of case, we assist the police with information in our regulations. Skadberg emphasizes that you can store a maximum of two containers of 11 kilograms per housing unit. – If you live in a housing complex, and the risk of mishaps and accidents is considered high, the housing association can make its own rules regarding the storage of gas cylinders. Storage of propane bottles Keep the propane bottles outside Put them on a stable surface with a good distance from flammable material and sources of ignition Make sure there is air around the propane bottles Source: Brit Skadberg, DSB Published 28/08/2024, at 15.18
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Expert explains how propane leak led to explosion in Bamble – news Vestfold and Telemark – Local news, TV and radio
