Man hurt in local blast gets skin grafts

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• Take smell of gas seriously, warns NorthWestern Energy spokesman

A Mitchell man has begun the first of several skin graft treatments as he recovers from injuries suffered in a house explosion last week.

Jose Aguirre, 38, suffered second- and third-degree burns over 40 percent of his body and a partially collapsed lung in the Aug. 17 blast at his rented home at 718 E. Hanson Ave. Aguirre remained in critical condition Tuesday at Regions Hospital Burn Center in St. Paul, Minn., a hospital spokeswoman said.

Shelli Porras, who is related to Aguirre by marriage, said that he received skin grafts on his arms last weekend.

“They are watching for infection,” she said. “He’s still sedated and on a ventilator.”

The explosion occurred after Aguirre lit his stove, and the spark likely ignited natural gas that had built up in his home, according to NorthWestern Energy.

Steve Nedved, city fire marshal, ruled the explosion an accident.

Aguirre’s mother, Cora, traveled from Texas to Minnesota with nieces and nephews last weekend, Porras said. His sister, Coraina, of Yankton, also is at the hospital.

“The family appreciates the support from the community and good wishes,” Porras, of Mitchell, said.

Porras, her husband, Lou, and Aguirre’s brother, Antonio, are trying to handle Aguirre’s affairs during his recovery, she said.

A crew from a private investigation business in Yankton was at the scene Tuesday morning.

Porras said the family had retained Yankton attorney Wanda Fox. She was out of the office until next week and could not be reached for comment.

The Jose Aguirre Benefit Fund has been set up at Wells Fargo Bank. Donations can be made at any location, Porras said. So far, co-workers and neighbors have made contributions.

Cards — no flowers or balloons are sought — can be sent to Aguirre at Regions Hospital, 640 Jackson St., St. Paul, Minn. 55101.

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