A gas line explosion and towering fireball hurt at least one construction worker and consumed construction equipment about 2 p.m. Wednesday along Illinois 162 in Maryville.
The injured person was taken to Anderson Hospital in Maryville with burns over 70 percent of his body, then flown to a St. Louis hospital.
Maryville resident Jim Harrison said he saw Maryville Police Officer Justin Krausz carry an injured person from the fire.
“He put his car in park, radioed it in and ran directly toward him, and picked him up and carried him a distance from the flames, then other rescue crews started arriving,” Harrison said.
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Check out early pictures from Jimmy Simmons
Loud explosion and loss of power to house; looked out the back window and saw a huge flame. This is the entrance to the neighborhood.
Posted by Jim Harrison on Wednesday, April 6, 2016
The gas line rupture and fire here in Maryville on 162 today!! Prayers for all involved!! My sister Betty Skittino Meyer lives close to this!!
Posted by Linda Skittino Drost on Wednesday, April 6, 2016
Posted by Linda Skittino Drost on Wednesday, April 6, 2016
