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State Police respond to campsite explosion, fire

By KATIE MIKTUK

kmiktuk@timesobserver.com

An outdoor explosion at a campsite on Friday, October 11, caused one man to suffer burn injuries.

The Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal and Rew Volunteer Fire Department investigated an alleged outdoor explosion that occurred at 5:08 p.m., Friday, October 11, at a campsite at Majestic Trails Campground, Fitch Hill Road, Otto Township, McKean County.

It was determined that an arc flash occurred at a portable gasoline powered generator while Jack R. Gernatt, 43, of Gowanda, NY, was attempting to plug a conductor into the generator.

A gasoline can was positioned nearby and the gasoline vapors were ignited by the arc, causing a flash fire.

Gernatt remained conscious but suffered burn injuries. He was air lifted to Erie County Medical Center, Buffalo, NY, for treatment of his injuries.

The cause of the explosion and fire was determined to be accidental.

Fire damage was estimated at approximately $2,000.

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