Personal Injury Law

Garage Explosion Leaves One Dead, One Critically Injured

By George Fusner

Jimmy Seabolt and his step-son Jacob Barretta were working on a car in their garage when something exploded. The two ran out of the garage while on fire, witnessing neighbors told police. The two neighbors that helped put out the flames, Jeff Kelton and Jason Bray, are both former volunteer firefighters.

But it was too late. Early reports estimated the November 20^th accident left the teenager with burns over 60 percent of his body, and his stepfather with burns over 20 to 30 percent of his body. On November 28^th, though, Jacob Barretta lost his life at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Neighbor Kelley Bray says, "It felt like losing a son." Their house has turned into a makeshift memorial, and a fund has been set up on their family's behalf – Seabolt-Beretta Fund donations can be made at any farmers bank in the midstate.

It's important to take away from this tragedy the lesson to always be extra cautious when working in garages, especially when working on a vehicle in it. Make sure to keep all open containers sealed and in a safe place. Keep the gasoline and other flammable liquids away from heat or sparks. Always keep a fire extinguisher nearby – there's no telling what damage could be have been undone if a fire extinguisher was used nearby. Almost as importantly – make sure you have the right fire extinguisher for the job (check out this guide for more info).

My thoughts and prayers go to the family of Jacob Barretta, and hope that Mr. Seabolt survives this tragedy.

Full post as published by Nashville Personal Injury Lawyer on November 30, 2009 (boomark / email).