Expert to look at cause of blast

Monday, May 3, 1999 | 9:06 a.m.

Reno Fire Marshal Larry Farr said the insurance carrier for Maaco Auto Painting & Bodyworks is bringing in the expert in natural gas explosions.

"There's a high probability there was a natural gas explosion," Farr said.

Three men were in the building when the explosion occurred Thursday morning. Two, including owner Jerry Tomac, were only shaken up.

But Tomac's son, David, was admitted to nearby Washoe Medical Center in critical condition. His condition since has been upgraded to serious but stable.

The explosion occurred across the street from the 21-story Reno Hilton.

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