Rebel Hill man badly burned; meth lab suspected cause
A Rebel Hill man suffered critical burns Monday evening, the result of what police believe was a meth lab accident.
The victim, Donald Madewell, was rushed to Vanderbilt University Medical Center where he is being treated for extensive burns in the facility’s burn unit. The exact degree of burns is unknown.
The incident happened just before 8 p.m. Monday when McMinnville firemen were dispatched to a residence on Rebel Hill Street. Firefighters found smoke pouring from the house and quickly extinguished a fire which was contained to the kitchen area.
While the fire was not severe, it was soon discovered Madewell had been taken to the hospital, prior to the arrival of firemen, by private vehicle for treatment of burns. The unidentified man, who was present at the house and gave Madewell the ride to the hospital, was gone when police arrived at the emergency room and is being sought for questioning.
According to McMinnville Police Investigator Mike Vann, Madewell was living at the house with his grandfather, who said he did not know a lab was inside the house.
At this point, investigators believe the lab was in the midst of the gassing off stage, explaining why some neighborhood residents reported smelling an odd smell just before the fire broke out. Police believe they have found enough evidence by digging through the rubble to warrant drug charges.
As for the cause of the fire, Vann said it is hard to say what exactly sparked the blaze.
“Making meth is extremely dangerous and volatile,” Vann said. “The fumes that are given off are highly flammable and all it would take is a spark or someone forgetting and firing up a cigarette.”
Charges are pending in the case. Police have not been able to speak with Madewell yet.