SOUTH SALT LAKE -- A propane-plant explosion injured four people Wednesday and prompted closure of the plant.
An employee of Wasatch Propane was in serious condition Thursday after suffering severe head trauma in the explosion.Wednesday's explosion was the second time in nine months that a serious industrial accident has taken place at the business.
About 3 p.m., Jayson D. Rawlings, 24, was standing near a metal and glass cabinet containing three propane tanks when one of the tanks exploded, said South Salt Lake Police Detective Dave Browning. The metal door of the drum-type cabinet hit Rawlings in the face.
Rawlings was transported by medical helicopter to University Hospital where he was being monitored for internal injuries Thursday, hospital spokesman John Dwan said.
Three other people suffered minor injuries.
Employees of Wasatch Propane, 201 W. 2700 South, who witnessed the accident told police that one of the propane tanks probably had not been thoroughly cleaned. After a preliminary investigation, police believe propane left in the tank exploded when the tanks were being sandblasted, Browning said. The state fire marshall's office is also investigating, he said.
On Aug. 28, 1998, another employee of Wasatch Propane suffered second- and third-degree burns after he tried to clean the floor with a hose attached to a propane tank. The clean-up job caused an explosion and two separate fires, forcing the evacuation of several area businesses.
Wednesday's accident appeared less severe because the cabinet had vents that immediately disposed of the explosion exhaust, Browning said.