A Washington Township man was badly burned Saturday by an explosion in his driveway.

Thomas Pringle was flown to UPMC Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh around 4:30 p.m. by helicopter, after emergency responders were sent to his house on Hilliard Road, North Washington Fire Captain Bob Kepple said.

Pringle reportedly was burned by a 55-gallon drum of diesel fuel that somehow ignited.

“He had it out in the middle of the driveway. He must have suspected it was dangerous. I don't know what happened, but it exploded,” Kepple said.

Kepple, who lives less than a mile away, said he heard the explosion from his house and was dispatched a short time later.

Firefighters arrived to find the metal drum charred and destroyed, but there was no fire or hazardous materials to deal with. The house was never threatened, Kepple said.

Pringle, after the explosion, managed to get inside the house and into the shower. He also called 911 and his wife.

He suffered burns to more than 80 percent of his body and was conscious and moaning in pain, Kepple said. The paramedics who responded said that the fact that he was able to feel pain was an encouraging sign, he said.

Chicora Ambulance Service responded to the house and a Stat MedEvac chopper landed at the North Washington Rodeo grounds.

Pringle's condition was unknown Sunday, and attempts to reach family members were not immediately successful.