| Any vehicle that is powered by gasoline or another | | | | changed location of the fuel tank. |
| fuel source likely contains a fuel tank. Fuel tanks | | | | In older vehicles, the fuel tank is often located behind |
| store fuel safely until it is released or pulled into the | | | | the rear axle of the car. This location is problematic |
| engine. The tanks can be any size and take a wide | | | | because it exists within the "crumple zone," or the |
| range of forms, from the small plastic tank on the | | | | area that is designed to crumple and take the most |
| inside of a butane cigarette lighter, to the gasoline | | | | force from the impact during a crash. If located in |
| tank on your lawnmower, to the fuel container on | | | | the crumple zone, the fuel tank is likely to become |
| your personal vehicle, to the external cryogenic tank | | | | damaged even in minor accidents and may explode |
| of a space shuttle. | | | | upon contact with sparks or heat. Indeed, certain car |
| Fuel tanks are designed to hold fuel in a safe | | | | companies came under increased criticism for their |
| environment until it is ready for use. Unfortunately, | | | | vehicles that would often explode after small |
| leaks, stress, and force impacts can threaten the | | | | accidents. |
| integrity of the container, letting in air that mixes with | | | | Modern vehicles are designed with safety in mind, |
| the gasoline and creates a dangerous, flammable fuel | | | | and the fuel tank is most often placed in front of the |
| source. If this mixture then comes into contact with | | | | rear axle. However, these containers may still |
| any spark, heat source, or open flame, an explosion | | | | become damaged in an accident. After a crash, the |
| may occur. These explosions can turn minor incidents | | | | risk of explosion increases, especially if the engine |
| into devastating accidents. | | | | catches fire. If the fuel tank is damaged, air may |
| Vehicle Explosions | | | | enter the tank, and the heat from the engine can |
| Each year, new vehicles on the market appear with | | | | cause the entire vehicle to explode. For this reason, |
| more extensive safety features than last year's | | | | victims of car accidents are often advised to quickly |
| models. Over time, features such as seat belts, air | | | | move far away from the vehicles involved in the |
| bags, anti-lock brakes, and other improvements to | | | | collision to protect themselves from this danger. |
| safety and efficiency have become commonplace | | | | For more information and resources about explosions, |
| and often standard. One such improvement is the | | | | visit the Explosion Victims Resource Center. |