Two staff members were seriously injured while conducting an internal research experiment in the High Energy Research Laboratory at the south end of the West Jefferson site.

Jim Gombarcik, 30, was transported by helicopter to OSU Medical Center where he underwent surgery and is in critical condition.

Tom Burky, 34, was transported to Grant Medical Center by ambulance where he underwent surgery and his condition has been upgraded from critical to serious.

Both men suffered burns and lacerations.

Battelle is conducting an investigation into the cause of the accident, but no specific details are available yet. OSHA officials also are investigating the accident.

Burky, a resident of Johnstown is a principal research scientist and Gombarcik, who lives in Delaware, is a technician.

Both work for Battelle's Energetic Systems and Security Technology department. This group conducts research in munitions and ordnance primarily for Defense Department clients.

The men were mixing energetic materials in a mixing device in a blast chamber constructed of reinforced concrete and specifically constructed for munitions tests. The building was not significantly damaged.

Updates will be provided as necessary. Contact Katy Delaney at 424-5544 or Tom McClain at 424-7728 for more information.