Toddler And Father Critical After Colo. Explosion
Source The Gazette (Colorado Springs, Colo.)
Dec. 09--A toddler and his father were in critical condition after a garage exploded in flames Sunday afternoon.
Three were hospitalized after gasoline fumes in the garage at 3018 Greenwood Circle were ignited by the flame of a propane a space heater, according to the Colorado Springs Fire Department.
Stacy Villapondo, a fire department spokeswomen, said firefighters believe that two adult men were working on a vehicle in the garage and the toddler was with them just before 3 p.m. The garage became saturated with fumes, which detonated, firefighters said.
When firefighters arrived at the house, just north of the Valley Hi Golf Course, they saw flames leaping from the garage.
The three victims, who were not identified by authorities, were rushed to the hospital.
The toddler and his father were believed to be in critical condition. The child was later flown to Children's Hospital in Denver. The fire department said the child's father was also flown to a Denver hospital.
The other man was taken to the hospital and was in stable condition Sunday afternoon, Villapondo said.
Firefighters battled the burning garage amid frigid temperatures that could make water freeze to everything that wasn't burning.
Villapondo said ice left in the in the street from the battle could be a hazard for drivers..
The garage was gutted and a large van inside the garage was destroyed by flames.
Villapondo said firefighters were "mostly" able to contain the blaze to the garage ,but the home's attic and other living areas were damaged. The house will be uninhabitable until it is repaired, she said.
The Red Cross is helping the displaced family.
Colder temperatures often make for busy firefighters, Villapando said.
When temperatures dip below freezing more people use furnaces, fireplaces and space heaters, which, if improperly used, are a common cause of winter structure fires.
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Contact Maria St. Louis-Sanchez: 636-0274
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Copyright 2012 - The Gazette (Colorado Springs, Colo.)
