Old Fuel Tank Explodes During Welding

An old fuel tank being cut up for scrap exploded Monday morning just outside of Corbin, shaking houses in the area, according to West Knox Volunteer Fire and Rescue Chief Darryl Baker.

Chief Baker said the workers failed to remove all of the gas from the tank before using a welding torch on it, which triggered the explosion.

The man who was cutting the tank with the welding torch was blown back from the explosion, but wasn’t hurt, according to Chief Baker.

Fire officials said the property where the blast occurred was owned by Progressive Rail of Corbin, but was leased to Three Rivers out of Fort Wayne, Indiana.