MANSFIELD, Mass. — A Mansfield auto mechanic continues what will be a long recovery after suffering severe burns in a fire that destroyed a popular gas station where he worked.
"I couldn't believe it, Mike's always been busy down there,' said Tommy Glavin, a customer. "[I] can't believe what happened."
Loyal customers of Canaan Fuels in Mansfield are still in disbelief three days after fire burned out of control at the gas station.
"It's really heartbreaking to see," said Debby McMaster.
McMaster's phone was bombarded with texts on Wednesday as news of the fire began to spread. She lives across the street from the station.
Authorities say a welding accident led to the fire.
PREVIOUS: Massive fire engulfs Mansfield gas station after welding incident, 1 hurt
In the meantime, people like Debby are doing what they can to support the station owner – as well as the mechanic who was severely burned, Ron Stanovitch.
"I found out about a meal train that Ron's family is putting together," McMaster said. "And I think a lot of us in town are going to be on board with that."
Stanovitch's niece posted to a community Facebook page:
"My family thanks Canaan Fuel employees for your heroic acts, the quick response from our public safety and the continued thoughts, prayers and contributions from the community," the post reads.
She went on to say that Stanovitch had surgery yesterday and will be sedated for several months.
Boston 25 News tried to speak with the owner to see if he'd rebuild. He declined comment.
A GoFundMe has been started to help benefit Stanovitch and his family as he continues his recovery.
Cox Media Group
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/7QOJU3BNCJERBNKJC5LWTBYFLU.png)
