COLUMBIA CITY, Ind. (AP) -- A barn exploded and caught fire Wednesday, injuring three people who were inside, authorities said.
Neighbors heard several explosions about 2:45 a.m. coming from the barn, which housed a machine shop. When firefighters arrived at the scene about 25 miles west of Fort Wayne, the barn was fully engulfed in flames.
Union Township Fire Chief Brian Potts said several propane tanks and welding torches were inside the barn, along with a natural gas line.
``Something went wrong in there,'' Potts said. ``We don't know what yet and the actual cause is still under investigation.''
Three people who were inside the barn at the time were burned. Two were listed in serious but stable condition at the burn unit at St. Joseph's Hospital in Fort Wayne. The third person was listed in good condition.
The two men in serious condition were identified as Chad Downing, the barn owner, and his nephew Trevor Shoda. The third injured person was not identified.
The state fire marshal's office was called in to help determine the cause of the fire.
