Three Mechanics in Tennessee Burned While Working on Plane

JACKSON, Tenn. (AP) -- Two mechanics were severely burned and another suffered minor injuries Tuesday morning when a fire erupted while they were removing fuel from a plane at McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport, authorities said.

The accident happened around 8:10 a.m. on the north-end of the airport, according to George Haley, the airport's fire and security supervisor.

Haley said the accident is still being investigated, but he believes static electricity may have sparked the blaze.

He said the men, whose names have not been released, worked for Tennessee Aircraft Salvage in Jackson.

Their conditions also weren't known, but Haley said two suffered severe burns on their face, arms and hands, and the third received minor burns on his hands.

Two were taken to the burn unit at The Regional Medical Center in Memphis, and the other to a local hospital.

Jackson is about 80 miles east of Memphis.