Story Published:
Aug 13, 2008 at 4:22 PM CST
Story Updated:
Aug 13, 2008 at 4:22 PM CST
Trevor Roy was on the scene today and joins us now.
Trevor, one man was seriously injured, but officials are saying that it could have been much worse?
That's right Michelle; I spoke to neighbors and emergency personal that were at the scene and they say if it wasn't for the action of two men, it's possible the entire family would have been killed.
Around 9 o'clock Tuesday evening, the small town of Iron River Wisconsin was rocked by a tremendous explosion in a residential neighborhood.
"I had just gone to bed and had not fallen asleep, so I turned the radio on hoping to catch the 9 o'clock news and all of a sudden I heard this tremendous boom it sounded like a bomb."
The home was occupied by the Mulberg family consisting of Vince, Jane and their son James when the explosion occurred.
While no one died in the explosion, Vince Mulberg suffered 2nd and 3rd degree burns over 25 percent of his body.
Iron River Police Chief Richard Zenz says it was the heroic actions of two men that might've saved his life.
"They saw Vince on fire; Baron Marshall took his coat off, got that on him and got the fire out; pulled his shirt, and coat, t–shirt off, because they were still burning and got that off of him."
Baron Marshall and his friend Francisco were down the street, finishing up a game of Basketball, when they heard the explosion.
They raced towards the scene and that's when they made the decision that affected their own lives and those of a very grateful family.
"We went back for James a I don't know how old he is, younger kid playing video games had no idea the whole thing happened got him out, and went down to the basement put out the fire the best we could and waited for the fire department and the ambulances to get there."
Marshall is a reluctant hero and says anyone would've done what he did in the same situation
"I don't really picture myself a hero I think anybody would've done it it's not that heroic of a thing, you just got to take life as it comes."
While Marshal doesn't like being called a hero, he has taken the incident as proof for his faith.
"There's definitely proof to me last night there's definitely a god and that just no way that guy should have made it out of that house in one piece much less alive."
Michelle, Vince Mulberg is currently at Miller–Dwan receiving treatment for his burns, and Chief Zenz tells me that a benefit for the family is being planned for some time in October.
Trevor, did officials say what may have caused the explosion?
Michelle they tell me it was gas leak that ignited after a pilot light on a hot water heater turned on.
Thursday, Aug 14 at 6:03 AM Craig G wrote ...
Best wishes to you Vince, recover soon...