The Texas State Fire Marshal's Office has initiated an investigation into the explosion that occurred at a construction site at the rear of Gatesville, Texas-based Coryell Memorial Healthcare System June 26, killing at least one individual and injuring at least 15 others, according to KWTX 10.
Officials have not publicized the names or identities of the individuals injured in the incident. However, officials confirmed construction worker Michael Bruggman died in the blast. A source close to the investigation told KWTX 10 Mr. Bruggman was installing an air conditioning unit on top of the building at the time of the explosion.
Adolfson & Peterson Construction, the company contracted to work at the hospital, released a statement June 27 confirming all 16 employees injured or killed during the incident were Lochridge-Priest employees and had been working near the central utility plant building when the explosion occurred, according to the report.
The 25-bed hospital issued a statement on its Facebook page June 26 confirming the blast took place around 2:15 p.m., and said all patients and residents at the hospital's affiliated senior residences were relocated.
Several witnesses told KWTX 10 a generator used to power workers' tools exploded. Investigators said a natural gas line may have also been involved.
David Byrom, CEO of Coryell Memorial Healthcare System, told the Statesman many of the hospital's core services, including the acute care hospital, emergency room, nursing facility, primary care clinic and assisted living facility remain closed. Its home health services and dialysis unit remain open.
Mr. Byrom added he hopes the hospital will fully reopen in one week.