Friday Benefit Aids Men Seriously Injured In Industrial Accident

Two local men were seriously hurt when they had to jump from atop a flaming storage tank.

Jason Merkhofer (left, with family) and Brandon Heath suffered serious injuries when they had to jump from a large storage tank on August 12. Photo provided.

(Lawrenceburg, Ind.) – Jason Merkhofer and Brandon Heath were working as welders atop a large storage tank at an industrial site on Este Avenue in Cincinnati when it caught fire.

The two were forced to jump from the multi-story tank in order to survive the fire on August 12. Firefighters had to use a water hose to keep the flames at bay as rescuers pulled the two badly injured men away.

Although the fire and life-saving jumps were not life-claiming, they were life-changing.

Both men suffered extensive injuries. Jason, of Bright, experienced burns, broken bones, and a spinal injury that has relegated him to a wheelchair. His family, which includes his wife Tamaira and three children, says there is hope he will walk again.

Brandon, of Lawrenceburg, sustained a severe head injury, in addition to broken bones. Whether brain trauma will cause lasting effects for Brandon, a father of four married to his love Amanda, remains to be seen.

Some companies are returning to service from Este Ave, photos from the scene. pic.twitter.com/EL7zucaVXN

— Cincy Fire & EMS (@CincyFireEMS) August 12, 2018

Friends of the Merkhofer and Heath families have some together to throw a benefit party for them as medical bills mount. It will take place Friday, September 7 from noon until midnight at Agner Hall at the Lawrenceburg Fairgrounds.

Food including BBQ pork will be served starting at 4:00 p.m. There will be a split-the-pot, raffles, a cornhole tournament, and a music DJ.

“This isn't just about raising money for them,” says Brandy Ploeger. “These boys have been thru hell and back, PLEASE know you are welcome to come and show your love and support for them without the expectation of spending money.”

More information about the benefit can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/878368335706012/.