Contractors suffer 'significant burns' when compressor explodes at Knoxville grocery store

The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox.

Two contractors were seriously burned when a refrigerator unit exploded at the Knoxville Hy-Vee on Tuesday afternoon.

According to the Knoxville Fire Department, a contractor refrigerant crew was replacing a compressor shortly before 2:30 p.m. when an explosion or flash fire occurred. Two contractors suffered "significant burns," officials said.

The two burn victims were transported by ambulance to the Knoxville Airport, where medical helicopters were waiting to transport them to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics' Burn Unit.