James Gowenlock Injured in Gas Explosion Accident at Jobsite Near Mayer

James Gowenlock Seriously Injured in Yavapai County Gas Explosion Accident at Worksite by Mayer

MAYER, ARIZONA (April 22, 2026) – A man identified as James Gowenlock Was seriously injured in a gas explosion accident while working at a business near Mayer.

Yavapai County officials are saying that the accident took place on Friday. James Gowenlock was working when there was some type of gas explosion at the jobsite.

Crew members believe that the gas line was turned off, but it appears that something may have gone wrong. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the accident to help all of the victims.

James Gowenlock was seriously injured in the blast and pulled to safety by a coworker. Another worker also sustained major burn injuries.

Both victims were airlifted to a Phoenix burn unit to receive treatment. Sarah McGee is the victim’s sister. She said that her brother is facing third-degree burns on roughly 50% of his body.

He’s also having a number of issues with motor functioning. You can help support James Gowenlock through GoFundMe.

According to the online fundraiser, “James is a dear friend who recently experienced a life-changing accident at work. He was caught in a sudden gas explosion, resulting in second and third degree burns over half of his body. He was life flighted to the Valley Burn center in Phoenix, where he has since been in the ICU. The severity of his injuries means he is unable to work for the foreseeable future. This has left James and his family facing an overwhelming financial burden, with daily expenses piling up.”

Liability for Arizona Gas Explosion Accidents

Business owners in Arizona have a legal obligation to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. According to 29 U.S.C. § 654(a)(1), each employer shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees.” Employers should take several measures to protect workers from gas explosions.

• Gas Detection: Worksites that use gas should have gas detection monitoring systems. The sensors for the system should be calibrated regularly to ensure they are in working order.
• Ventilation: Any location where gas is likely to accumulate should have a mechanical ventilation system. Gas should be vented away from any potential ignition source like a furnace.
• Ignition Source: Employers should do their best to limit potential ignition sources. A strict non-smoking policy should be implemented. Welding and other activities that create flames should also be moved away from gas sources.
• Equipment Maintenance: Employers should perform routine inspections on all pipes and valves that use natural gas. Any machinery that makes use of gas should also be periodically inspected and well-maintained.

When a worker is injured in Arizona, they will typically have recourse through the workers’ compensation system. This is a no-fault insurance plan designed to help workers who were harmed during the scope of their job duties. There’s no need for an injured worker to demonstrate that their employer acted negligently. In addition to workers’ compensation, an injured worker may also be able to pursue damages through a third-party liability claim. A third-party liability claim may be possible if an entity separate from a worker’s employer contributed to an accident.

Third Party Liability for Arizona Gas Explosion Accidents 

Gas explosions remain a major cause of preventable injury and death across the United States. According to the National Fire Protection Association, “During 2018–2022, there was an estimated annual average of 15,941 reported structure fires where the material in the item first ignited was a flammable gas. These fires caused an estimated 191 civilian deaths, 747 civilian injuries, and $402 million in property damage each year.” There could be several sources of third-party liability for any gas explosion at a job site.

• Gas Utility Company: A gas utility company could face liability for an explosion if they failed to maintain, inspect, or replace gas lines that were aging.
• Contractors: A contractor can also face liability for an explosion if they failed to properly shut off a gas line before work was being performed.
• Property Owner: The company that owned a warehouse or other location where a commercial business was operating could face liability for a gas explosion if they failed to properly maintain gas lines or appliances.
• Product Manufacturer: The company that created an appliance that made use of natural gas can also face liability for an explosion through a product liability claim. In particular, a number of gas explosions have been caused by defective gas regulators or valves on appliances.

Gas explosions tend to be highly preventable. The factors that contribute to an explosion could take place hours, days, or weeks beforehand. In many cases, they are the results of OSHA regulations that are not being followed. It is important that the victims of gas explosion accidents understand that they do have legal rights. They are able to seek some measure of accountability and transparency through a civil action. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering.

Investigating Arizona Gas Explosion Accidents

We at The Law Offices of John Phebus extend our best wishes to James Gowenlock and his coworker as they continue to recover. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to OSHA. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong so that similar accidents can be prevented. Many questions remain unanswered at this time. What was the source of the gas leak prior to the explosion? Were all safety codes being followed?

Have you or a loved one been injured in a gas explosion accident at a worksite in Arizona? You may have legal recourse. Our team of workplace safety advocates is here for you. We are committed to helping workers understand their rights and protecting those rights through skilled advocacy. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into the unique circumstances of any accident, we are here to serve your needs. You can reach out to us anytime at (623) 267-9283.