Driver in foundry explosion dies

Driver in foundry explosion dies

Charles McDonald is seen with his dog in this undated photo.

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Story Published: Oct 14, 2007 at 1:13 PM PDT

Story Updated: Oct 14, 2007 at 5:20 PM PDT

By KOMO Staff

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SEATTLE -- A propane truck driver injured in a massive explosion last week at a Tacoma foundry died Sunday morning at a Seattle hospital.

Charles McDonald, 64, of Toutle, Wash., was driving a propane tanker truck that exploded October 6 during a refueling operation at Atlas Castings and Technology in Tacoma.

McDonald suffered burns to over 75 percent of his body.

"The family is obviously devastated by the loss of their father, husband and friend," said family attorney John Christensen. "But they are all grateful of the love and support that has been shown over the past week by friends and family."

Arrangements are being made for a memorial service at the Toutle Christian Fellowship Church in Toutle.

During the explosion, a large two-axle portion of the tanker truck blew more than 150 feet into the air and landed in flames on the Highway 16 overpass, along with parts of the truck cab and other debris.

Investigators continue their probe into what caused the blast, but fire officials said video from a surveillance camera shows a tanker hose leaking, and then sparks from the foundry furnace room ignited the fumes leaking from the truck.

The blast sent a fireball hundreds of feet into the sky, and the explosion was felt for miles around.

Firefighters poured thousands of gallons of water on two other propane tanks to cool them and keep them from exploding.

Yesterday, officials burned off the leftover gas Saturday from the two other propane tanks. A 20-foot flame flared for about three hours as the remaining gas was emptied.

Saturday's burnoff was described by one official as nothing more than a giant version of burning propane in a home barbecue.

The tanks will be removed from the site and cut up, but not until the investigation is complete.

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