Работник коммунальных служб Милуоки призвал горожан не выбрасывать кислородные баллоны после взрыва, повредившего его коллегу

Milwaukee sanitation worker speaks out about explosion that injured partner A day at work changed two sanitation workers' lives in an instant. In July, improperly disposed of oxygen tanks exploded moments after being dumped into the garbage truck. Now more than a month later, one of the workers is speaking out to make sure the public knows the dangers of improper disposal. A day at work changed two sanitation workers' lives in an instant. In July, improperly disposed of oxygen tanks exploded moments after being dumped into the garbage truck. Now more than a month later, one of the workers is speaking out to make sure the public knows the dangers of improper disposal. Curtis Phipps, a trainer for the city of Milwaukee's sanitation division, and his partner were both behind the truck at the time of the blast. "The can was dumped; it's too late," Phipps said. Phipps said they inspect each garbage can before dumping, but the oxygen tanks that caused the explosion were hidden under tarps. Phipps said the blast knocked his hearing out. "After I was starting to realize we just got blown up and I saw him and it was debris everywhere," Phipps said. "Smoke still in the air." Once he realized what happened, Phipps said he ran to his partner, who was bleeding and lying on the ground. "There was a lady. She was a nurse. She came, and she was a blessing," Phipps said. "She said, 'Hey, apply pressure here and there.' And that's all I could do. That's all I could do." Phipps was back to work about a week later, but said he still suffers from PTSD. "When I hear stuff pop, I just get down," Phipps said. His partner had shrapnel from the explosion lodged in his eye and suffered a concussion. DPW said he is still recovering and has not returned to work. "That was his second day," Phipps said. "Second, third day. I was training him. He was a new guy, and he was doing well. He enjoyed it. And all of a sudden, bang." Phipps said he wants his message heard loud and clear. "No tanks should be put in your trash. None. Even if you're not sure, still don't put it in," Phipps said. "If you have any questions, we can tell you, 'Hey, yeah, this is good.' And this isn't a rule of thumb. Just, if it's had any gas in it, don't put it in there. Just ask us. We'll tell you." There are ways to properly dispose of tanks; to find a list, click here.