A Corpus Christi firefighter seriously injured battling a commercial fire in Robstown early Thursday remains in a burn unit sedated and on a breathing tube.
Battalion Chief J.D. Johnson sustained second- and third-degree burns to his hands and face while battling a fire at a gymnastics studio on Main Street around 1:45 a.m., according to The Corpus Christi Caller.
Fire officials said a partial roof collapse sent flames out the rear of the structure, burning Johnson and three other firefighters who were staging equipment.
Johnson was flown to Brooke Army Medical Center, while the three other firefighters suffered minor burns.
The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.
Corpus Christi Fire Chief Robert Rocha told the newspaper that the 18-year-veteran appears to have not suffered serious damage to his airways or the rest of his body and could be released by as early as next week.
"We're all hopeful for a speedy recovery and that he is able to return to duty soon," he told the newspaper.
