SAN ANGELO, Texas — The owner of Lily’s Pizza, Fernando Fuentez, suffered minor burns after a small explosion occurred in the restaurant’s kitchen on Sunday morning. The incident occurred when Fuentez attempted to light the pilot in the pizza oven, causing a pocket of gas to ignite and resulting in first-degree burns on his hand, arm, and back, as well as a second-degree burn on his face.
According to Fuentez, the explosion was not caused by a gas leak but rather by a build-up of gas that had accumulated in the oven chamber overnight after the pilot light had turned off. Despite his injuries, Fuentez remains optimistic, stating that he will only need a couple of days to recover. He expressed gratitude that none of his employees were injured in the incident.
Fuentez reassured customers that the incident will not impact the business operations of Lily’s Pizza. Maintaining a sense of humor about the situation, he jokingly mentioned that the pizzas were not burnt in the explosion. The owner’s lighthearted attitude reflects his resilience in the face of adversity.
The community has rallied around Fuentez, offering support and well wishes as he recovers from his injuries. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential risks that come with operating a restaurant, highlighting the importance of safety protocols in such environments. Lily’s Pizza is expected to reopen soon, with Fuentez eager to return to serving his loyal customers. The incident, though unfortunate, has not dampened the spirits of those involved and has instead fostered a sense of unity within the local community.