A man is injured after a sudden flash fire in the parking lot of a Troy, MO business.Michael Garule sustained 2nd degree burns to his face, neck and arms after accidentally igniting gasoline vapors inside his vehicle.
On August 9th at 7:00 P.M. Garule went to his vehicle on the parking lot of Bodine Aluminum and lit a cigarette when gasoline vapors from a leaking gas can ignited, causing a flash fire.A 5 gallon plastic gasoline container was stored in the trunk and had expanded and ruptured during the heat of the day.
Lt. Brunson Fidler, a Security Officer who witnessed the incident stated he heard a loud noise he described as a “Whoosh” and saw the parked car bounce with smoke pouring out the windows.Lt. Fidler rushed to help the man who he says was stunned and at times incoherent.
Firefighters from Lincoln County Fire Protection District #1 and Paramedics from Lincoln County Ambulance District arrived quickly and treated the injured man who was taken to St. Johns Mercy Burn Unit.Firefighters found the fire out upon arrival, washed down the area and removed the vehicle from the parking lot.
Lincoln County Fire Protection District #1 cautions residents that gasoline should not be stored or transported in enclosed vehicle compartments such as trunks or passenger areas.Even under normal temperature conditions, vapors may escape from the container and accumulate within the vehicle.Gasoline vapors are heavier than air and accumulate at the lowest point, so rolling down windows or other means of ventilation may not be sufficient.
