What we know about the victims in the JFK High School science lab explosion

ByEyewitness News WABC logo

Friday, August 21, 2015

What we know about the victims in the JFK High School explosion

Stacey Sager has the details

BRONX, N.Y. (WABC) -- New information was released Friday about the three men who were seriously injured in an explosion at a school in the Bronx.

Officials said the three men were among 16 construction workers inside JFK High School when a gas explosion happened Thursday night.

The worker with the most severe injuries is 36-year-old Luigi Barillaro, of Howard Beach, who suffered burns over almost 50 percent of his body. He's listed in critical condition.

The other two who were hurt are 38-year-old James Intriago, of Valley Stream, and a 53-year-old man (name not yet released). Officials said they suffered burns to their hands and body and are listed in serious condition.

All are in the burn and intensive care unit at Jacobi Medical Center. All are expected to survive.

The men work for a subcontractor, Mar Sal Plumbing and Heating out of Ozone Park in Queens. They were working in the sixth floor science lab classroom when the blast occurred.

The permit on file describes the work the men were doing:

"Plumbing - Alteration Type 2. Provide hot and cold water, sanitary, and gas connections from the cellar to science equipment on at 6th floor. Provide mechanical ventilation of fume hoods. Replace existing acid neutralization tank. Replace lighting in 6th floor science room and in ceilings of rooms affected by plumbing work on floor floors."

The cause of the explosion is still under investigation.