Wisconsin sanitation worker hospitalized after oxygen tanks explode inside garbage truck

A Milwaukee Department of Public Works (DPW) sanitation worker was hospitalized after improperly discarded oxygen tanks exploded inside a garbage truck during the waste compaction process in Wisconsin.

Officials said the tanks detonated as the truck was compressing trash, sending shrapnel flying. The worker suffered a concussion and an eye injury after a fragment became lodged in his eye.

“One of the pieces of shrapnel was lodged in his eye. They were able to remove that. We are very fortunate that he was wearing his safety glasses, which is something that we train everybody to do,” DPW Sanitation Services Manager Rick Myers said.

Milwaukee police are investigating the incident. Authorities warned that improperly disposing of pressurized canisters is illegal and can result in fines of up to $5,000.