Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
Marc Giauque and Gene Kennedy reportingA construction worker is in critical condition this afternoon following a gas explosion. The worker suffered severe burns after an attempt to thaw frozen ground went awry. It happened near 1300 East and 6200 South.
The victim worked for a concrete company. The crew was preparing to pour a foundation on a site in Murray. The worker used gasoline to warm up the ground.
Deputy Fire Marshal Russ Groves, of the Murray City Fire Department, said, "They actually lit the gas on fire, and while he was pouring gas onto the ground, the fire came right back to the can."
The gas can exploded and ignited the worker on fire. Co-workers say flames just engulfed the man. Jose Martinez jumped in and helped put it out. He says, "Myself and the other guy took a shirt, and we covered him." Martinez didn't suffer any injuries.
When firefighters arrived, the fire was out, but the worker had second- and third-degree burns over 35 percent of his body. He has burns to his face, neck, hands and torso.
He was flown to the hospital. Even though he's in critical condition, authorities say he's stable and breathing.
Meantime, the fire marshal told Eyewitness News that he's heard of using a propane torch to warm the ground but not gasoline. In his opinion it's an unsafe practice.
Fire investigators and officials from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will be looking into this accident. If it's determined the practice is illegal, citations could be issued.
