BALTIMORE — A contractor who suffered significant burn injuries in an arc flash explosion at Baltimore’s Patapsco Wastewater Treatment Plant is continuing his recovery at home after spending approximately two weeks in a burn unit.
Bruce was one of three contract workers injured June 9, 2026, while crews were working on a project to expand the facility’s electrical capacity.
According to updates shared by fundraiser organizer Traci Boykin of Pasadena, Bruce underwent surgery June 12 to treat burns across multiple areas of his body.
Most of his wounds were treated with a skin substitute, while his hand required a skin graft taken from his thigh.
Boykin reported the surgery went well and described it as a significant step forward in his recovery.
The following day, Bruce was able to get out of bed and walk. He was later moved into a shared hospital room with another injured worker named Mike.
“Even though they’re in tremendous amounts of pain and exhausted, they’re truly so strong for what they’re going through,” Boykin wrote.
Bruce returned home June 22 after two weeks in the burn unit, but his family reported that his recovery was far from over.
“Having him home is an incredible blessing, but recovery doesn’t end when someone leaves the hospital,” Boykin wrote.
His ongoing treatment includes wound care, therapy, follow-up appointments and continued healing from his burns and skin graft.
Another milestone came June 26, when the stitches were removed from Bruce’s hand.
“It’s amazing to look back at where he started just a couple of weeks ago and see how far he’s already come,” Boykin wrote. “Every appointment and every small step is a reminder that healing takes time, patience, and determination.”
Baltimore officials previously reported that the explosion likely involved an electrical fault or arc flash connected to the construction project. The incident was not related to the plant’s wastewater-treatment operations.
All three injured contractors were transported to a hospital following the explosion.
As of publication, the GoFundMe had raised $14,403 of its $16,000 goal through 145 donations to help Bruce’s family with medical bills and expenses tied to his recovery.
Those wishing to help can donate through the family’s GoFundMe.
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