The Region - News from Aug. 23, 1985

One man died and three others were burned, two critically, in an explosion at Omega Marine Boat Yard in Wilmington. Los Angeles Police Lt. Mike Markulis said three of the men were welding in the hold of a 100-foot schooner when the accident occurred. A colleague pulled out the three injured men, suffering minor burns on the hands. His name was not disclosed. Richard Neal, 40, was taken to St. Mary Medical Center, Long Beach, where he died. A second victim, Don Lapour, was taken to Torrance Memorial Hospital, and a third, Del Meehan, 48, was taken to County-USC Medical Center. Both of the hospitalized men were in critical condition. Investigators believe that the explosion might have been set off by a leak in an oxygen line. The California Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating.