LOS ANGELES — The last of nine firefighters injured when a natural gas cylinder exploded near the Port of Los Angeles has been released from a hospital and is recovering at home Tuesday.
Dan Goen was seriously injured on Feb. 15 after the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to an auto fire call in Wilmington and found a semi-truck without a trailer attached on fire, according to the LAFD.
The tractor was powered by compressed natural gas and had two 100-gallon tanks. While the firefighters were attempting to control the blaze, one of the tanks exploded with great force, immediately injuring nine firefighters, authorities said.
Some firefighters were thrown several feet and temporarily lost consciousness. The less injured crew members quickly came to the aid of their more severely injured colleagues. The LAFD said more than 150 firefighters responded to the incident, ensuring public safety and managing the situation.
Goen was released Monday from Los Angeles General Medical Center and expressed gratitude for the support offered to him and the LA General Medical Burn Center medical team.
"This incident serves as a reminder of the inherent dangers of the firefighting profession and the commitment your LAFD members have to place the safety of the public before their own," Fire Chief Kristin Crowley said.
Crowley added that she has met with all the injured firefighters and they are all recovering well.
The incident remains under investigation.