Explosion in Tiffin backyard leaves man seriously injured

Tiffin, Ohio — In the early hours of Saturday, at approximately 3:55 a.m., the tranquility of the 100 block of Bobb Street was shattered as officers from the Tiffin Police Department and the Tiffin Fire/Rescue Division rushed to respond to a report of an explosion in the backyard of a local residence.

Upon their arrival at the scene, first responders discovered a 43-year-old male lying near a stack of wood, which appeared to be part of a fire pit area. Initial findings suggest that the individual had attempted to ignite a recreational fire using a gas can containing high-octane racing fuel. Tragically, as he poured the fuel onto the stack of wood, an explosion occurred.

The preliminary investigation indicates that the man had a lit cigarette in his mouth at the time of the incident, which may have contributed to the explosion. The force of the explosion caused serious injuries to the individual.

Immediate medical attention was provided at the scene, after which the victim was transported to Tiffin Mercy Hospital. Due to the severity of his injuries, the decision was made to airlift him to Cleveland Metro Hospital for further specialized care.

While Tiffin detectives are actively investigating the incident, initial assessments suggest that this was an accident. The use of high-octane racing fuel for recreational purposes, combined with the presence of a lit cigarette, appears to be the key factors contributing to the explosion.

Authorities are reminding the public of the dangers associated with handling flammable substances and open flames. They urge caution and adherence to safety guidelines when engaging in outdoor activities involving potentially hazardous materials.