City Worker Critically Injured in Flash Fire at City Garage to be Flown to Burn Unit

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — At approximately 12:23 p.m. today, firefighters responded to a call at the City Garage. Upon arriving on the scene, it was determined that a City employee had been involved in a flash fire incident.

George Willoughby, a 50 year old tire repair person at the garage, was critically burned in the accident.  He has worked for the city since 1978.

Witnesses described the worker as having been “engulfed in flames.” He had apparently been working with a blow torch on a 55 pound drum. LIsted in  critical condition at Cabell Huntington Hospital, Willoughby will be transferred Tuesday by air to a burn unit in either Cincinnati or Pittsburgh.

The Mayor was not present at the HMDA or city council meetings due to his "being at the hospital."

During budget hearings, concerns had been expressed regarding safety issues at the garage.