Victim of Building Explosion Remains Hospitalized

TYLER � Tyler fire officials say Jose Juanchi-Pineda, the victim of the explosion at 1430 ESE Loop 323 on April 3, remains in critical condition at Parkland Hospital. Officials say the cause of the explosion will remain under investigation until such time as investigators can speak with Pineda. Officials say they hope that can happen in the near future. No further information is available at this time, according to a news release from the Tyler Fire Department.

Three persons were hurt in the incident. According to the Tyler Fire Department, Juanchi-Pineda was said to be on fire and running down the street. Witnesses reported that several citizens stopped to render aid. Two were also injured and transported to area hospitals with non-life threatening injuries. Investigators believe Juanchi-Pineda was renovating the home when the incident occurred. It appears that he was using solvents to refinish the floor in the structure. According to fire officials, vapors ignited, causing the explosion and resulting fire. The actual ignition source has not been determined.