Rock Hill man severely injured by explosion near lawn mower

A Rock Hill man lost his right arm and is undergoing surgery on his left arm after an accident this week when a propane gas container exploded as he prepared to mow his lawn.

Family members told The Herald that David Wayne Plunkett, age 42, was severely injured Thursday at his home on Midwood Drive in Rock Hill. His wife and 14-month-old daughter were inside the family’s home at the time of the accident.

It appears the explosion happened while Plunkett was refueling his lawn mower or working on the machine late Thursday afternoon, according to York County Sheriff’s Office records. The sheriff’s office responded to the home along with emergency medical crews.

Plunkett’s relatives say neighbors rushed to help and applied tourniquets to both of his arms. He was airlifted to the Carolina Medical Center in Charlotte.

The explosion severed Plunkett’s right arm about six inches above his elbow, according to relatives. His left arm was also severely injured and doctors were preparing Plunkett on Saturday morning for more surgeries.

Family members said Saturday afternoon that Plunkett was in stable condition in Charlotte. Plunkett works as a make-up artist and sculptor in the film industry.

His wife Chelsea said the family needs help with medical bills. She and other relatives are asking for the community’s support through an online donation website, called Go Fund Me.

This story was originally published April 4, 2015 at 12:36 PM with the headline "Rock Hill man severely injured by explosion near lawn mower."