Longview Scrap Metal Worker Seriously Burned In Explosion

A Longview, Texas, worker has suffered serious burn injures in an explosion at his work site, the Associated Press reports.

According to Longview Police, the worker, who has not been identified, was using a cutting torch on a scrap metal tank when the explosion occurred. The man, who was badly burned, was rushed to a local hospital and then transferred to the burn unit at Parkland Memorial Hospital for further treatment. His current condition is not known.

An initial investigation of the worker accident by Longview Police has revealed that the torch ignited a flammable substance in the scrap metal tank, causing the explosion.

The on-the-job accident took place at Youngblood's Scrap and Metals on Friday morning about two hours from Dallas. The explosion was so large that many nearby residents called to report a possible earthquake in the area.