A 3rd Infantry Division soldier was sent to the Joseph M. Still Burn Center in Augusta earlier today after an army tow truck he was riding in caught fire and then exploded on the back gates of Fort Stewart.
The soldier’s name is not being released at this time.
However, Fort Stewart officials said Wednesday afternoon that the soldier and two others assigned to the 1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team were traveling in the vehicle on Hwy. 144 west.
That is when, according to Kevin Larson, public affairs officer for the 3rd ID, the men heard a hissing sound coming from the M88 Tank Recovery Vehicle.
Before they could completely evacuate the truck, the explosion forced one of the soldiers into the air and out of the vehicle.
Larson said none of the soldiers sustained life-threatening injuries.
However, the ejected soldier did suffer 2nd degree burns and is being treated at the center.
The other two soldiers were taken to WINN Army Community Hospital where they were treated and released.
The cause of the accident has yet to be determined, Larson said.