3 MLGW workers injured in explosion remain in critical condition

MEMPHIS, TN (WMC) - The families of several injured MLGW workers are praying they recover from a Tuesday morning explosion.

Eric Fields left his job at Kroger Tuesday morning as soon as he heard his 34-year-old brother Cedric got hurt on his job.

"They told me my brother was down there in a hole, working for MLGW, and they had an explosion," said Eric Fields. "And he got burnt."

Fields was working with four others underneath Winterpark Drive in Hickory Hill when a gas line erupted amid a repair. Witnesses say a column of fire shot up at least six feet followed by flaming workers.

"I hate I saw that," said neighbor Robert Smith. "I mean, it's not every day you see grown men crying and calling for their mamas."

Fields' mother was among his family members who quickly rushed to Regional Medical Center.

The family had not yet broken news about the incident to his two young children.

"And we're trying to wait to see how he's doing so we can try to explain to them what's going on," said Eric Fields.

Two of Fields' co-workers were also in critical condition at the end of the day and two others had been released from the hospital, where the Fields family prepare to spend their Thanksgiving.

The fire department is still investigating exactly how the explosion happened. Meanwhile, gas service is still out in that area.

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