Benefit for Grayville men injured in explosion | Community Spirit

A benefit dinner to raise money for two men injured in last weekend’s explosion at Goof and  Pruitt in Grayville will be held on Saturday, February 9 at the Grayville American Legion.

Larry Perry and Tony Berger were hurt during the Saturday afternoon blast at the oil drilling company.  Perry, 66, suffered severe burns.

Investigators found out the fire was started by a wood burner in the building. Perry and Berger were inside the building working on a truck. They turned their backs to get some coffee in the building and when they turned around, the floor of the building had caught on fire.

Little Wabash Fire Chief Rob Spencer says a fuel can was then knocked over, spreading the flames to the acetylene tanks, which then ignited, blowing up the building.  Spencer says Perry's clothes caught on fire, which led to his severe burns. Berger dragged Perry from the burning building.

The benefit will include a dinner featuring BBQ, Baked Beans, Potato Salad & more. Deserts will be made by the area Churches and the Senior Citizens Center.

An auction, 50/50 Drawing and more will follow.

Anyone wanting to donate to the auction can contact: Linda Perry 618-375-7779, Marty Ritchie 618-387-1538 or Kara Kuykendall 618-384-7044.

Items may also be dropped off at the Grayville City Hall. Anyone wanting to help out can also contact Joe Bisch at City Hall 618-375-3671.