DESTIN, Fla.—A pediatrician from Marion has been hospitalized after a massive car explosion at his vacation home in Destin, Florida.
The incident occurred last night (Saturday, September 14, 2013) around 7 p.m. in a blast that was felt throughout the exclusive neighborhood.
Dr. Luis Lopez, age 58, pediatrician at Heartland Pediatric Clinic in Marion, is currently being treated at an area hospital, and his condition was considered “critical” as of today.
One man, identified as Michael Todd Brower, 35, of Benton, was killed in the explosion, which is being called a “freak and tragic accident” by Sheriff Larry Ashley of Okaloosa County. It’s been suggested that the doctor’s car exploded in conjunction with some acetylene gas torches that had been stored at the house in order to do repairs. Sheriff Ashley has stated that he doesn’t believe foul play was involved.
Source material here.
Photo from Northwest Florida Daily News, used here via Fair Use Act.