Kinmundy Man Suffers Burn Injuries

A 62-year-old Kinmundy man received first- to second-degree burns to his left arm and third-degree burns to his face and legs when gasoline fumes apparently exploded while he was lighting a brush pile on fire with a cigarette.

Kinmundy-Alma Fire Chief Kevin Day said the incident occurred at Jerry Ashford's home around 6:30pm Sunday. Ashford was initially taken to Salem Township Hospital and then was airlifted to St. John's Hospital in St. Louis.

Day said Ashford's injuries occurred during a flash explosion and fire. Ashford's clothing did not catch fire. He was conscious and alert when firefighters arrived on the scene.