Three Men Burned In Moonshine Explosion

ATHENS, Ala. (AP) - Three men suffered burns when a moonshine
still exploded inside a brick garage at a residence in Athens.
Limestone County Sheriff Mike Blakely said the men were making
homemade wine in a 25-gallon still when it blew up Saturday night
and splashed them with hot mash. A juvenile was at the home but not
seriously injured.
Blakely said the three men sought treatment at an Athens
hospital, where doctors thought the injuries were odd and called
the sheriff's office.
Investigator Randy Burroughs said the owner of the house, Doug
Powers, lost part of his finger earlier while using a potato
grinder. He suffered 3rd degree burns in the explosion and was
transferred to UAB Hospital's burn unit.
About 250 gallons of wine and mash was confiscated from the
house. Burroughs said the scene was "like something out of
Prohibition."
Investigators said charges are pending against Powers.


(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)