The barrel that Virgil Barker was torching flew over a 100 yards in the air after an explosion. ADVOCATE PHOTO/DEREK MYERS
An owner of a towing company is in serious condition after an explosion at his Jeffersonville business.
According to the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, an explosion was reported at Barker’s Towing, located along state Route 41 near Jeffersonville, around noon.
The owner, Virgil Barker who is in sixties, was welding a metal cylinder tank when something ignited and severely injured him.
“We arrived on scene and there was a small fire in the back where someone was torching on a barrel,” said Jefferson Township Fire Chief Greg Pettit. “When the barrel got hot, it caused an explosion; I don’t know what was inside the barrel.”
The explosion was reportedly heard two miles away.
The barrel flew over 100 yards in the air, according to Pettit, and severely injured Barker by causing over 90% burns to his body.
A medical helicopter was called to the scene where Barker was decontaminated and transported him to The Wexner Medical Center in Columbus.
“He’s a really nice guy and we wish him the best,” Pettit said.
Fayette County Emergency Management, Fayette County EMS, and Fayette County Sheriff’s office responded to the scene and assisted.
A prayer vigil was held at Barker’s Towing tonight where dozens of people prayed. Check Fayette Advocate at a later date with interviews from friends and family members of Barker.
Stay with Fayette Advocate for the latest