Gas Explosion Injures Fairfax Man

A Fairfax man sustained major burns Saturday afternoon when a handheld propane torch exploded at his home in the Robinhood Manor apartment complex on Sir Francis Drake Blvd., according to fire department officials and the property manager.

Brian Anderson was taken to Marin General Hospital Saturday after suffering burns in the gas explosion, which occurred at around 4:10 p.m., according to Ross Valley Fire Department Jim Hanson. Anderson has since been transferred to Bothin Burn Center at St. Francis Hospital in San Francisco.

Two other people sustained minor injuries from the explosion but were treated and released at the scene, Hanson said.

Robinhood Manor resident manager Daniel Potter said he was not at the 32-unit complex at the time of the explosion but has since learned that Anderson was using a handheld propane torch to solder computer motherboards.

Officials at the burn center declined to comment on Anderson’s condition Sunday morning. Hanson said the explosion, which caused some damage to the walls of the apartment, is under investigation.