San Diego
Two men were injured Tuesday morning when a tuneup machine exploded in an East San Diego garage.
About 10:15 a.m., San Diego firefighters responded to a reported explosion at the Personalized ZRX7 Service garage, in the 3500 block of University Avenue, but the fire had already been extinguished.
Firefighters treated John Babayan, 28, the garage owner, who had burns on his hands, and Ohannes Tfenkejian, 38, who suffered second- and third-degree burns over his body, officials said.
Both men were taken to UC San Diego Medical Center, where Babayan was treated for burns on his hands and released. Tfenkejian was listed in fair condition Tuesday night, according to Jane Swett, a nursing supervisor.
The Fire Department’s Metro Arson Strike Team said the explosion was triggered when Tfenkejian opened the gas cap of a pressurized fuel tank, which allowed gas fumes to leak into the nearby tuneup machine, which then exploded, officials said.
Estimated damage to the garage was $30,000.
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