Virgil Barker
Days later, the victim of a Saturday afternoon explosion is still listed in critical condition.
According to The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Virgil Barker, 69, owner of Barker’s Towing is listed in “critical but serious condition” Monday afternoon after a tragic accident on Saturday.
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.
Barker 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 that Virgil Barker was torching flew over a 100 yards in the air after an explosion. ADVOCATE PHOTO/DEREK MYERS
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 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.