Ore. firefighter-EMT injured in oxygen tank explosion

Doctors are trying to figure out whether incident damaged Eric Nehl's lungs

HILLSBORO, Ore. — An oxygen tank explosion Sunday injured an Ore. EMT and volunteer firefighter.

Eric Nehl, 25, of Scappoose, was working alone filling oxygen tanks in the Metro West Ambulance headquarters in Hillsboro, according to the Associated Press. He suffered first and second-degree burns after an oxygen tank valve malfunctioned.

He also sustained flash burns in the explosion and ensuing fire.

Nehl is in the intensive care unit, and doctors are trying to figure out whether the incident damaged his lungs.

"It's pretty much going to be 24 to 48 hours before we're going to know what his prognosis is," his father, Steve Nehl, told the Oregonian. "He looks terrible. He's all bandaged up."