Commissioner Paul McCorkle Burned, Son Killed in Propane Gas Explosion

Officials in McDuffie County say a county commissioner was injured and his son was killed in a propane gas explosion on the family’s farm Monday. The explosion happened when Commissioner Paul McCorkle hit the propane gas pipeline with a backhoe while working on the property.

The explosion sparked a fire that was still buing on Monday evening. Commissioner McCorkle’s son Jason was killed, and the commissioner himself suffered bus and a broken or sprained ankle.

Investigators say the accident happened around 11:30 a.m., but the fire was expected to bu through the night. Firefighters say they shut off several valves on the 80-inch gas line to isolate the fire, but about 7 miles of pipeline still had the gas in it on Monday evening.

Commissioner McCorkle was in an Augusta hospital on Monday evening being treated for his injuries. He is expected to make a full recovery.

Many in the community told reporters they were saddened by the tragedy, and the family is well-known and loved by many.

Firefighters say they don’t believe the blaze will reach a nearby wooded area and there is no threat to a nearby subdivision. No evacuations have been ordered.

Authorities say the fire could bu until Tuesday, so they have about 20 firefighters on standby just in case.