The last of nine hospitalized city of Los Angeles firefighters injured when a natural-gas fuel tank on a semitruck exploded in Wilmington nearly two weeks ago was released from the hospital on Monday afternoon, Feb. 27.
He walked out of Los Angeles General Medical Center, his right hand and shoulder bandaged, smiling and in street clothes wearing a LAFD cap, through rows of clapping co-workers.
Dan Goen, headed home to recover, was seriously injured on Feb. 15 after the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the semi, which was on fire.
“I’m just extremely grateful — for God, first of all, for saving me,” he said to those who showed up just outside the hospital’s doors to greet him before thanking his family, friends and co-workers. “I really appreciate the doctors — they’re very good — the staff, the nurses, the CNAs (certified nursing assistants), everybody. … Thank you to everybody involved. …
“I’m just blessed to not only be alive, but also to not have any career-ending, major injuries,” he said in video filmed by the department. “So I am very blessed and happy to be here.”
On Feb. 15, while the firefighters were attempting to control the blaze, one tank exploded.
Emotional video from earlier today as the final @LAFD Firefighter who was seriously injured in the Wilmington explosion on Feb 15th was released from the hospital. Firefighter Dan Goen is now recovering at home with his family. #UFLAC #IAFF #LAFD https://t.co/u0OHsivOfO pic.twitter.com/cTOOxSbTHD
— LA City Local 112 (@UFLAC) February 27, 2024
Some firefighters were thrown several feet and temporarily lost consciousness. The less-injured crew members quickly came to the aid of their more severely injured colleagues.
The LAFD said more than 150 firefighters end up responding.
Seven firefighters were quickly released from the hospital, while one was kept for a while for observation. Goen stayed a lot longer.
Firefighter badly injured in Wilmington blast…
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