Bio: Ashbeck, Richard (Burned - 1956)

Contact: Dolores Mohr Kenyon

Email: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 
 

Surnames: Ashbeck, Worden 
 

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI.) June 7, 1956 
 

Hemlock Cheese Factory (1955) 
 

Exploding Gas Showers 2 Men -  
 

Richard Ashbeck, 38, Hemlock Cheese Factory operator who was seriously burned when a tractor gasoline tank exploded last Friday, was reported in "satisfactory condition" this week. 
 

Less seriously burned was Kenneth Worden, 34, owner of the tractor, whose farm adjoins the Hemlock Cheese Factory on Highway 73, north of Greenwood.   His burns were treated by a Greenwood physician and he was released.  
 

The explosion occurred after gasoline spilled as Mr. Worden filled the tank.  The gasoline ignited as it hit the hot manifold and burst into flames.  Mr. Ashbeck, who saw the fire, rushed to Mr. Worden’s aid.  
 

The men saw the tank was about to explode and turned in flight.  Before they were ten feet away, however, the explosion came, showering flaming gasoline on them. 
 

Ashbeck wearing only a "T" shirt was badly burned on his arms and shoulders.  Worden, however, was wearing a heavy jacket, which prevented burns except to the right side of his face and his right hand. 
 

Both men rolled in a mud puddle nearby to extinguish the flames.