Three maintenance workers hospitalized after explosion in Ann Arbor Township
Updated story: Two men injured in explosion in Ann Arbor Township hospitalized, third man treated and released
An explosion this morning in Ann Arbor Township critically injured one maintenance worker and injured two others.
Washtenaw County sheriff's spokesman Derrick Jackson said three maintenance employees were doing work on a sewage pump in the 1800 block of Dixboro Road at about 8:30 a.m. when the explosion occurred.
One of the men was down in a well when the explosion occurred, and he is now in critical condition, Jackson said. The other two men were entering the well at the time and suffered burns. All three men were transported to an area hospital.
Jackson said the explosion, which occurred near Matthaei Botanical Gardens, may have been caused by a propane tank.
No further details were immediately available.
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Comments
Emma
Thu, Dec 23, 2010 : 11:52 p.m.
They worked for none of the three. They were contractors hired to do one job in the area, but do not solely do work in the specific county or city. They work all over Michigan. Andy, it was not in a room. It was down in a sewer. There was a slow gas leak. All details have yet to be determined. All are doing well considering, but sadly, will not be home for Christmas. One man is still in critical condition, but not life threatening. One man is in the hospital being treated for 2nd and 3rd degree burns which don't cover quite so much of his body. The third man was released after a few hours and his injuries were not serious. Please pray for the men and their families to still make the best of this season. Hopefully Christmas cheer will help for a speedier recovery!
Soothslayer
Thu, Dec 23, 2010 : 1:47 p.m.
Can only assume they brought a propane tank for heating or other work. I don't believe propane tanks themselves can explode. It would seem be more likely that something accidentally knocked the valve off/open or they had a leak in equipment which filled the room creating a dangerous situation. Nonetheless this is a very sad and possibly preventable tragedy.
bedrog
Thu, Dec 23, 2010 : 11:07 a.m.
i was at that area what must have been a minute or 2 later,and even the police who had just closed off the road seemed a bit vague as to what was going on. a sad story.
Cash
Thu, Dec 23, 2010 : 11:03 a.m.
God please let them be okay.
Sandy Castle
Thu, Dec 23, 2010 : 10:59 a.m.
Who did these employees work for? Ann Arbor Township, a department of Washtenaw County or U of M???
DFSmith
Thu, Dec 23, 2010 : 10:21 a.m.
Sad news, I hope all three of them recover fully.