FAMERVILLE, La. (AP) -- An oxygen bottle exploded inside a refuse bin, injuring two garbage haulers, authorities said.
The blast occurred about 10:30 a.m. Monday at a public dump site in Union Parish. The explosion triggered a fire at the dump site that burned for about two hours before it was extinguished
''Someone had discarded two home-use oxygen cylinders and in the process of dumping, one got punctured, which caused the explosion,'' Sheriff Bob Buckley said.
The two injured employees were identified as Johnny Williams, 58, and Shelby R. Kanehl, 53, both of Farmerville. The men, who were standing at the back of the truck at the time of the explosion, were taken to a West Monroe hospital.
''Both were able to give recorded statements, so I feel like they'll be OK,'' Buckley said.
State police hazardous material experts and officials from the state Department of Environmental Quality were investigating. But Buckley said he doubted any criminal charges would result.
Copyright 2005 Associated Press
