UK: Workman 'stable' after gas blast

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Sunday, 20 February, 2000, 14:09 GMT

Workman 'stable' after gas blast

A man from south Wales has undergone surgery after being seriously injured in an explosion at Bristol Medical School.

The 53-year-old, who has not been named, is in a stable condition at Frenchay Hospital after suffering shrapnel wounds to his chest, abdomen and legs damage to his fingers.

Four work colleagues were treated for shock and inhaling fumes from the blast before being released.

The men work for Acorn Environmental, based in Cardiff.

The company refused to comment on the incident, which happened as the five workmen were carrying out renovation work on the third floor of the building at 0900GMT on Friday.

Avon Ambulance spokeswoman Louise Sturgess said: "One of the men was cutting through a copper gas pipe, using a disc cutter, believing the gas supply had been blocked off.

"There was a small explosion, sending shrapnel into his chest, abdomen and upper legs."

Gas inhaled

The man's colleagues dragged him to safety before they too were taken to hospital.

He underwent exploratory surgery at Bristol Royal Infirmary to determine the extent of his injuries before being transferred to Frenchay Hospital.

A spokeswoman for the medical school said the explosion happened in a building that was being renovated and no staff or students were using it.

The Health and Safety Executive has launched an investigation into the incident.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/uk/wales/newsid_649000/649985.stm

-- Carl Jenkins (Somewherepress@aol.com), February 22, 2000


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