Reno company raises money for employees burned by equipment explosion

RENO, Nev. (News 4 & Fox 11) — A Reno company is calling on the community after a tragic incident put four employees in the hospital.

Last week, a team from local paving company Nevada Paving was filling roadway cracks when the equipment that heats the filler unexpectedly exploded and the men were covered in extremely hot, sticky material.

The cause of the explosion is still unknown. East Fork Fire, Douglas County Sheriff's Office, Nevada State Fire Marshall, and State OSHA are still investigating.

The four severely injured employees are recovering at the UC Davis Burn Unit where one remains in extremely critical condition.

Due to travel costs and medical expenses, the paving company has set up a GoFundMe page to raise money and ensure their employees and families are well taken care of.

Nevada Paving Business Manager Kevin Warren says that, as an employer, they can only do a limited amount without interfering with workers' compensation benefits.

We just saw the need that the families needed some help. And our insurance company told us we couldn't do anything without jeopardizing their benefits. And that's the last thing we would want to do with an accident of this size.

Nevada Paving says they have never had an equipment failure like this and are waiting for results from the investigation.

"The machine is pretty much obliterated, so it's almost impossible for us to tell exactly what went wrong."

To access the GoFundMe, click here.