A gas explosion at Ponder Auto Repair got the attention of a lot of people inside this building and all along Market Street on Friday morning. Owner Brian Ponder had one thing on his mind after flames engulfed his business.
"Make sure everybody gets out, alive, safe and healthy," Ponder said.
William Stettner was the only employee injured during the fire. He was taken to a Nashville burn unit for treatment. Ponder said Friday morning his thoughts and prayers are with Stettner. Ponder has owned Ponder Auto Repair for nearly 30 years. Auto repair has been a big part of his life much longer than that.
"It's a little heart wrenching, heart breaking," said Ponder.
This longtime businessman was inside the building, but did not witness the explosion, although he did hear it.
"Just a woof, that was it," he said.
Investigators say the fire started after an automobile gas tank fell, a drop light was knocked over after that and ignited. Ponder said this accident has taught him an important lesson.
"We'll learn from this and we'll make different procedures, we'll try to minimize stuff we do with explosive materials like gasoline. We will definitely change that whole philosophy," Ponder said.
William Stettner was listed in stable condition as of late Friday afternoon. He is expected to be okay. As for Ponder Auto Repair, Brian Ponder plans on re-opening part of his shop in the next few days.
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It took about 20 firefighters to put out the flames at Ponder's Auto Repair on West Market Street. The shop owner, Brian Ponder, told Your Tri-Cities News Source a gas tank fell along with a drop light. He said the bulb from the light sparked the fuel and the tank exploded.
One employee suffered injuries in the blast. His name: William Stettner. He is being treated at a Nashville Burn Unit.
Ponder told us today's explosion will bring about changes when it comes to safety at his shop.
Ponder's Auto Repair has been in business at the same location since 1982. Find out Ponder's plans for rebuilding tonight at 6.
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An explosion at Ponder's Auto Repair on Market Street turned the business into a fiery wall of flames Friday morning.
Johnson City Fire Department crews are currently on the scene. One person was in the part of the building which blew up. EMS reports that the person was injured and they were transported to Johnson City Medical Center with minor burns.
Owner Brian Ponder was also in the building at the time of the explosion, but he was unharmed because he was in a different part of the building.
Most of the damage is to the interior, Ponder said.
Market Street has been reopened following the fire.
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