Boiler Safety Fatality File

School Mechanic Dies 4 Months After Suffering Burns in Boiler Explosion 

WEST OAK LANE (WPVI) — A Philadelphia School District mechanic has died four months after he was critically injured in a boiler room explosion in West Oak Lane.

The incident happened just before 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 13 at the Franklin S. Edmonds School.

Officials say 61-year-old Christopher Trakimas was working on the boiler when it exploded, leaving him with burns on the lower half of his body.

The incident prompted calls for mandatory inspections of all school district boilers.

Friends and family are mourning a Philadelphia School District mechanic who died months after he was injured during a boiler explosion at an elementary school in East Mount Airy.

Philadelphia School District Superintendent Dr. William Hite announced Trakimas died from his injuries, over four months after the explosion.

“On behalf of the entire School District of Philadelphia community, I offer my sincere condolences to Mr. Trakimas’ family, colleagues, loved ones and the Franklin S. Edmonds school community,” Dr. Hite wrote in a released statement.