HEREFORD, TEXAS -- Officials are investigating the cause of the vehicle explosion that killed a man early Wednesday morning.
The vehicle, which was a pickup, was owned by the Hereford Independent School District. Hereford Police said the explosion was reported at about 6:40 a.m. in the 100 block of North Avenue K.
Upon the arrival of emergency personnel, the vehicle was fully engulfed, police said.
56-year-old Tommy Barrett, according to police, was removed by family members before emergency personnel arrived. He was not able to be resuscitated.
Police confirmed Barrett passed away as a result of the injuries sustained from the explosion.
Barrett, according to Hereford ISD, was a longtime employee of the district. He was a plumber who worked in the maintenance department.
"It's a sad time," said Assistant Superintendent Terry Russell. "He worked for us for quite a while. We are thinking of his family."
"He's always smiling about things, he was a hard worker, he would always do whatever you ask him to do, but the smile is what I'll remember the most," said Russell.
The cause of the explosion remains under investigation with assistance from Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) and the Amarillo Bomb Squad.
Fire officials on scene tell Pronews 7 they don't suspect any foul play.
