THE WOODLANDS, Texas – A 53-year-old employee was seriously injured Friday after an accident with a commercial refrigeration system at a Randalls in The Woodlands, officials said.
Steve Scheaffer was rushed to Memorial Hermann Hospital in The Woodlands and at last check, he was listed in critical condition.
The accident was reported around 10:30 a.m. at the Randall's located at 2250 Buckthorne Place.
The initial report said there was an explosion, but when first responders arrived at the scene, they discovered a pipe in the refrigeration system that was being worked on had ruptured, seriously injuring Scheaffer.
Scheaffer remains in critical condition at the hospital. His left leg was amputated and he will require at least two more surgeries, his family said.
Scheaffer has five children ranging in ages from 16 to 28.
The incident prompted authorities to evacuate all employees and customers from the store.
Investigators are working to learn more about the incident.
Here's a link to a GoFundMe page to help the family.
Randalls released the following statement:
“We are cooperating with the investigators on the scene. The store has since re-opened."