Utility worker dies weeks after being injured in Durham explosion

DURHAM, N.C. — A utility worker injured during the Durham gas explosion has died, according to UNC Hospitals.

Channel 9's news partners at WTVD reported Jay Rambeaut, 51, had been at the North Carolina Jaycee Burn Center in Chapel Hill since the explosion on April 10.

[PAST COVERAGE: Worker calmly reveals gas leak in 911 call before Durham blast]

Rambeaut worked as a first responder locator for Dominion Energy, and a family member told WTVD that he was called to the scene to shut off the gas.

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The gas leak at 115 North Duke Street ignited just after 10 a.m. The blast shook downtown Durham, killing coffee shop owner Kong Lee instantly, injuring 25 other people and damaging 15 buildings.

[Fire chief: Coffee shop owner was told to leave before blast in Durham]

According to WTVD, the businesses housed in buildings that survived the blast have reopened and are encouraging patrons to return.

Cox Media Group