An explosion and subsequent fire in Floyds Knobs, Indiana, has left two people hospitalized, according to multiple sources. The incident occurred last night around 5 p.m. in the 4600 block of E. Luther Road, where officials say gasoline ignited during the fueling of a zero-turn lawnmower, leading to a larger blaze that engulfed the mower and a nearby pole barn. As reported by WTHR, The Highlander Fire Protection District along with mutual aid from several surrounding fire departments, was quickly on the scene to combat the fire.
The specific details of the explosion reveal that one victim has endured burns to the face and upper extremities and was urgently taken to University Hospital, while another individual was transported to Baptist Health Floyd due to a separate medical issue sparked by the incident, not the fire itself but due to the stress of the situation, as per WLKY coverage. Local fire officials have taken this opportunity to remind the public of the hazards that can escalate quickly when handling fuel near possible ignition sources consists of equipment that could easily act as an ignition source.
This is not the first such incident of its kind, as gasoline-related fires are a noted risk when fueling motorized equipment; the fire departments responding to the event are trained for these situations. Representatives from the Highlander Fire Protection District pointed out that the fire was the result of a fuel leak catching flame, which led to the explosion, as detailed in a report by WAVE.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the precise cause of the explosion and the fire, with the Indiana State Fire Marshal's office noted as involved in the ongoing investigation.
