Illinois construction worker dies weeks after explosion

ST. LOUIS (AP) - A construction worker from southwest Illinois has died several weeks after suffering severe burns in a gas explosion while on the job.

John "Doug" Behme of Worden was injured April 6 when the crew he was working with in Maryville hit a 10-inch gas line and triggered an explosion.

The Belleville News-Democrat reports that officials initially believed the 44-year-old would recover from the burns on 70 percent of his body. His lungs weren't damaged in the accident and he underwent surgery about a week ago.

Behme died Friday morning in the burn unit of a St. Louis hospital. A funeral was planned for Monday morning at a church in Worden.

The accident remains under investigation.