Business Owner Injured After Explosion in Jeffersonville

Updated: Sunday, March 17 2013, 01:25 AM EDT

JEFFERSONVILLE -- A Fayette county man is in the hospital after an explosion at his business.
 
Coworkers and friends say Virgil Barker was working at his shop when the explosion happened just after noon Saturday.

According to the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, Barker, the owner of Barker’s Towing and Recovery and Tire Shop, was using a blow torch and was working on a barrel when something caused it to explode.

Jeffersonville Township Fire Chief Gregg Pettit said the barrel became airborne and moved nearly 100 yards.
 
Emergency crews estimated Barker to be in his 60s or 70s and said he suffered burns to 90 percent of his body.

He was flown to the OSU Wexner Medical Center by medical helicopter.

Chief Pettit said Barker was still conscious when he was taken to the hospital.
 
Coworkers told ABC 6/ FOX 28 that family members rushed to the hospital after the incident.
 
"Super nice family. Have done lots for the community. Like I say, we hope him and his family the best,” Fire Chief Pettit said.

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Reporter: Jen FrenchBusiness Owner Injured After Explosion in Jeffersonville