November 1, 2007
Steam Blast Victim Goes Home, Years of Rehab Ahead
The tow truck driver who suffered third degrees burns over 80% of his body from the July 18 midtown steam pipe explosion is leaving the hospital today. Gregory McCullough, who attended classes at John Jay College and studied karate when not working, was in his vehicle with a passenger, waiting for a light to turn, when the steam pipe exploded underneath them. He spoke to the NY Times about his experiences.
In one word, McCullough is incredible. He described how he and passenger Judith Bailey huddled together as "hot smoke and steam began pouring into the truck from the vents and floorboard" before they jumped out of the truck. He also cried for help, but some people "shuddered and recoiled at the sight of his badly melted skin" (one person did help him). After weeks in a medically-induced coma for weeks, McCullough woke up last month. He said:
"I woke up and I started to cry. I didn’t understand. Why me? I did everything I was supposed to do. I was making a living and going to school. I didn’t deserve this. I didn’t deserve all of this pain. I didn’t deserve any of this."The article also describes McCullough's injuries and though doctors did not need to amputate his leg or arm, he has many years of rehab ahead of him. McCullough is thankful that he is alive "But to see the pain my family has gone through, to see my dad cry, that hurts the most.”
His family filed a lawsuit against Con Ed. Con Ed, in turn, may end up suing the city.
Photograph of the red tow truck by sidewalk_story on Flickr
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Alright, I don't usually nitpick spelling and grammar, but you gotta go over that copy one more time. There's several errors in there.
Moving right along..
I'm so glad this kid is up and at least moving around and didn't lose any of his appendages. I wouldn't wish what he went through on anybody.
Good luck dude.
Seconded about the grammar errors.
Amazing story, nevertheless.
It's amazing he even made it out of the truck alive, I hope he has a swift recovery and can keep his spirits up. It's a long painful road ahead of him so only good thoughts and cheer for him.
He'd be better off dead. He will have painful scars for life.
Larry..you're a jackass.
I'm normally not a fan of lawsuits because most are ridiculously frivolous, but this is a situation where I thoroughly hope that the guy sues the hell out of ConEd, wins, and makes enough money to pay for all the medical bills and rehab, and have enough left over to live on. His life will never be the same.
I really appreciate Gothamist following up on this story. I've been curious about what was happening with this guy.
I second what Maevemealone said. And I have to say that life is not fair. McCullough, you are right, you didn't deserve this. Paris Hilton doesn't deserve her life either.
McCullough, I hope that you heal well - physically, psychologically, emotionally. I hope ConEd has AT LEAST paid for your hospital bills & lost income. I'm not the litigious type, but I would probably sue if I were in your shoes.
Best of luck to him and his family. The Times article is heartbreaking.
Larry, you'd be better off dead with your cruel inhumane comments. Asshole.
A friend, a few weeks ago, emailed me the work of Doug Auld. His pieces are Oil on Linen of burn survivors... They're amazing piece of work, for human-kind.
http://dougauld.com
I agree with CWBuechler 100% on this one. I'm no fan of lawsuits either, but in cases like this, there was clearly a huge amount of negligence somewhere. I hope he gets better,feels better and gets a ton of cash. I know money isn't everything or anything really, but there is so much of it floating around this city I'd like to see a bit of it make someone's difficult life easier. Heal well, buddy, we're all pulling for you.
EdEx:
Wow-- those portraits are amazing. Both heartbreaking and inspiring.