Village Worker Injured by Exploding Tire

A Village of Ridgewood employee is recovering from a serious injury after a truck tire exploded and sent debris into his eye, Streets Department head John Spano said.

According to Spano, a worker at the Village Garage on Chestnut Street was adding air to two truck tires on a lift when the inside tire "exploded" just after 12:00 p.m. Tuesday. Debris shot into the worker's eye, Spano said, adding that the outside tire absorbed much of the impact.

"He was very fortunate," Spano told Patch. "He was very lucky. Truck tires are very dangerous, they can absolutely kill people."

The worker was rushed to the hospital where doctors washed out the eye and attempted to remove the debris, Spano said. He was later taken to an eye specialist in Elmwood Park and will be driven to New York City for further treatment Tuesday night. Doctors, Spano said, believe he will be able to retain his vision.

The worker, who was not identified, is expected to spend the rest of the week resting and recovering.

"It could have been a lot worse," Spano said. "We're all just glad it wasn't."

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