Man injured in Maryville explosion in critical condition at burn unit

A man injured in the explosion of a ruptured gas line in Maryville was listed in critical condition Thursday at a St. Louis hospital.

John D. Behme, an equipment operator for a construction company, was being treated Thursday in a burn unit at Mercy Hospital.

Behme, of Worden, suffered injuries when a gas line exploded Wednesday afternoon at the site of a subdivision being built in Maryville.

Behme was flown to Mercy after he was treated in the emergency room at Anderson Hospital in Maryville. Anderson Hospital officials reported the man suffered burns over 70 percent of his body.

The explosion and fireball engulfed vehicles and heavy equipment at the scene, setting off additional explosions.

Anderson Hospital officials said the victim was operating a piece of equipment that became engulfed in fire.

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This story was originally published April 7, 2016 at 12:49 PM with the headline "Man injured in Maryville explosion in critical condition at burn unit."