The Cincinnati Enquirer
A man credited with saving lives in an explosion at a propane gas company last week died Wednesday night.
Robert Woods, 48, died at 9:10 p.m. of complications from injuries received in the explosions, a University Hospital spokesman said. Mr. Woods was one of six people injured Friday when a propane leak ignited at Auxier Gas Inc. in Batavia. The state fire marshal's office ruled the blast accidental.
Mr. Woods, an Auxier driver and serviceman for 30 years, realized an explosion was imminent and rushed to shut off a valve.
He was at or near the valve when the blast sent flames 60 feet high, heavily damaging the Auxier building and rattling buildings for three blocks around it.
Batavia firefighters said Mr. Woods stumbled from the building, badly burned, warning fire crews to evacuate the building. Moments later, a second blast occurred.
Four of the other victims were in fair condition Monday night; the fifth was expected to be discharged.
