Two Suffer Burns in Explosion at West Laurel Auto Body Shop

Authorities are investigating the cause of a Friday morning explosion at a West Laurel auto body shop that left two workers with serious burns.

The blast took place around 8:00 a.m. in a single-story commercial buillding in the 5300 block of Minnick Road, according to Prince George's County Fire spokesman Mark Brady. 

"It appears a vapor explosion occurred in an area where vehicles are air-dried after having work done," Brady said in a statement.

The building's sprinkler system was able to keep the resulting fire in check until firefighters arrived and extinguished it, Brady said.

One man suffered life-threatening second- and third-degree burns to more than half of his body, according to Brady, while a second man suffered less serious burns. Both were workers at the body shop.

The blast caused some cosmetic—but not structural—damage to the building. Brady estimated the loss at $20,000.

The incident remains under investigation.