Bad news for DIYers in Vermont

kevin_5

Without any attempt at humor, I guess the obvious point is that even the best chefs may not be properly trained in welding on a propane line. It may pay to call a professional. I certainly hope these men come out of this okay. Kevin

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John R. Hall

Sounds like they need help and prayers

MORRISVILLE - Two men burned in a propane explosion while working on a new home on Elmore Mountain Road remain in critical condition, according to friends and associates.

Jack Pickett, 50, and his friend, Todd Owens, 34, who was helping Pickett, suffered serious burns following the explosion in the basement Saturday at about 5:25 p.m.

Police said the men were able to reach a neighbor's home to call the emergency services. They were both taken to Copley Hospital and later transferred to the burns unit at Massachusetts General Hospital. Both men were reportedly still in critical condition Wednesday.

After state police fire investigators were called in, an initial examination of the property revealed that the explosion occurred while the men were working on a propane-fed water heater. Investigating officer Det. Sgt. Edward Meslin of Williston State Police said the men were reportedly bleeding the hot water tank and also doing some
welding at the same time when the explosion occurred.

"There's a big underground propane tank with a fuel line that comes into the house and has a pipe coming off it to the water heater," said Meslin. "The two subjects that were injured at the time of the explosion walked to a
neighbor where they made comments that they really screwed up, that they were bleeding the heater and were soldering and had a torch going, and there was an explosion.

"They were able to make full and lucid comments to the neighbor," he added. The neighbor, Thomas Taylor, declined to comment out of respect for the men's families, and because the fire is still under investigation.

Until the investigation is completed, Meslin said the cause of the explosion is still "speculation," but added he thought it likely the cause would be listed as "accidental."

Meslin said the house was about "three-quarters" built, with the main structure, roof and siding up, although it still had to be refinished inside. The fire was mostly contained to the basement utility room that suffered some heat and smoke damage, but the building remained largely
intact, he added.

Family members and friends have reportedly traveled to Massachusetts to be close to the injured men, but were providing some information to people in the Stowe community where both men are well known.

Pickett reportedly underwent surgery for skin grafts Monday and Tuesday, said Valerie Rochon, executive director of the Stowe Area Association, who has been in touch with family members at the hospital.

"That is very positive because it means he (Pickett) is stable enough to be in surgery," she said. "I don't know about Todd, but he was the more severely injured."

Rochon said news of the accident had shocked the Stowe community. She said Pickett was highly regarded as "one of the best chefs in Stowe," at both the Ten Acres Lodge on Barrows Road for many years, and more recently as the owner of the Blue Moon Caf

Steve Ebels

Same happened up here

A few weeks ago two guys were working on an LP fired heater and it blew also. Burned down the structure and both of the guys were in critical condition yet from what I hear. This was about 25 mile from where I live.

kevin coppinger_4

poor guys...

just goes to show you, one second of forgetfulness or not paying attention can cost you big....kpc