MAESER, Uintah County — Three Vernal men suffered serious burns Wednesday when a vehicle they were working on exploded.
The blast occurred about 3:15 p.m. at a home near 500 North and 2500 West. When emergency responders reached the scene, they learned the victims had been using a torch to cut a gas tank from a vehicle when the tank exploded, said Uintah County Sheriff's Chief Deputy John Laursen.
Brett Bradley, 20, was taken to Ashley Regional Medical Center with second- and third-degree burns over 30 percent of his body, Laursen said.
Kelly Beachum, 24, and Thad Bonner, 23, were taken to the burn unit at University Hospital in Salt Lake City. Laursen said Beachum sustained second- and third-degree burns over 60 percent of his body, while Bonner had second- and third-degree burns over 45 percent of his body. Both are listed in critical condition.
Bradley was listed in good condition Thursday at Ashley Regional, according to hospital spokeswoman Debbie Spafford, and he was due to be transferred to University Hospital.
— Geoff Liesik