Worker ‘engulfed in flames’ after gas tank falls in Richmond auto shop

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- A man was "engulfed in flames" after a gas tank fell in a Richmond automotive maintenance shop Tuesday evening.

Just after 6:15 p.m. on Tuesday, July 8, crews with the Richmond Fire Department were called to an automotive maintenance shop in the 5900 block of Midlothian Turnpike for report of a structure fire.

Photos provided to 8News by a viewer appear to identify the involved auto shop as Spark Auto Service.

When crews arrived, they located heavy fire in the rear of the shop. Firefighters quickly found workers pouring water on a fellow employee, who was on fire.

Scene of a July 8 fire in an auto shop in the 5900 block of Midlothian Turnpike. (Photo: FacesofHeroes)

Scene of a July 8 fire in an auto shop in the 5900 block of Midlothian Turnpike. (Photo: FacesofHeroes)

First responders put out the fire and provided emergency care to the worker, an unidentified man. He was taken to a local hospital with severe burns.

A second victim was injured while trying to help put the fire out. Their injuries were minor and they refused medical care.

Body found by search, rescue crews while searching Appomattox River for missing man who fell in

According to the department, witnesses said the worker had a vehicle up on a lift and had taken out its gas tank, which fell.

"At some point, the worker had become engulfed in flames," fire officials said.

8News asked the department for an update on the man's condition. We have not received a response as of the time of reporting.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.