Dec. 22--A worker for Wolfe Dye & Bleach Works Inc. near Shoemakersville was injured Saturday afternoon in a small explosion and ran from the plant with his clothing burning, according to fire officials.
Robert Geisinger, 47, of Hamburg ran across Route 61, where a passing motorist tackled him into a snow-covered embankment, said Deputy Chief Kerry S. DeLong of the Shoemakersville Fire Company.
Geisinger was flown by helicopter to the burn unit at Lehigh Valley Hospital, near Allentown, DeLong said, adding that he appeared to have burns to his head and upper body. His condition was not immediately available.
According to DeLong, Geisinger told firefighters that he was working in the pump house and trying to use a lighter to ignite something when a flash fire occurred shortly after 1 p.m.
The fire was the third in four months at Wolfe Dye & Bleach Works, a fabric-bleaching plant at 25 Ridge Road in Perry Township, just outside Shoemakersville.
As far as fire officials could determine, Geisinger was working alone in the pump house, which is being rebuilt after a Nov. 4 fire.
DeLong wasn't sure if Geisinger was trying to light an acetylene torch or another tool. Geisinger told fire officials that he dropped his tools when the explosion occurred and ran out.
While talking to Geisinger, DeLong looked up from Route 61 and saw smoke coming from the pump house. He called in a fire alarm. Fire crews put out the fire within 20 minutes.
The pump house sits along Pigeon Creek. It was unclear why Geisinger ran to Route 61, at least 50 yards away, rather than into the creek to douse his clothes. The identity of the motorist who came to his aid wasn't immediately available.
DeLong said the plant sustained significant damage and that a state police fire marshal was called to assist with the investigation.
Besides the November fire, an Aug. 13 blaze caused about $3 million in damage to the processing and finishing building, which also is being rebuilt.
The August fire was blamed on an electrical malfunction, but officials have not determined the cause of the November fire.
State police are asking anyone with information to contact Trooper Janssen Herb at 610-378-4011.
Contact Steven Henshaw: 610-371-5028 or [email protected].
Copyright 2013 - Reading Eagle, Pa.
