DOUGLAS COUNTY, Mo. — A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed in Douglas County Circuit Court alleging negligence by a propane service company in connection with a fatal residential explosion that killed four members of a family in May 2024.
According to a petition filed Jan. 8, Norma Haro of Illinois filed suit against Advantage Gas Service LLC, a Missouri-based company, under Missouri’s Wrongful Death Act. The lawsuit seeks damages related to the deaths of Salvador Haro, Silvia Haro, Salvador Haro Jr., and one additional family member, all of whom were killed in a propane explosion at a residence near Chadwick.
Court documents state the Haros purchased a home on County Road T442 in March 2023, intending to use it as a second residence while operating a restaurant in Ava. The petition alleges the home’s propane system was not functioning properly at the time of purchase and that Advantage Gas was hired in February 2024 to inspect and service the system.
The lawsuit alleges Advantage Gas employees installed a regulator and other components but failed to warn the family that the propane system was unsafe or violated multiple industry safety codes. According to the petition, the family later purchased a new gas range and connected it to the propane system on May 18, 2024.
The lawsuit alleges propane gas leaked shortly after the installation, ignited, and caused an explosion that destroyed the residence and resulted in the deaths of all four occupants. The petition claims the explosion was caused by negligence and violations of National Fire Protection Association safety standards, including allegations involving improper tank placement, unsecured gas lines, and failure to “red flag” the system for safety violations.
The plaintiff seeks damages for funeral expenses, pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and aggravating circumstances damages intended to punish and deter future misconduct. A jury trial has been requested.
The allegations contained in the petition have not yet been tested in court.
