This is the Accidents & Incidents forum with special rules, so I ask that we all abide by those rules.
There is a thread of well wishes for him in the Texas Forum, so please post your wishes there so the family can read them to him as he recovers. I will be moving those non-A&I, well wishes posts to that thread. http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/texas-swamp-divers/412270-prayers-swamper.html
This is where I will be posting updates on David's recovery as I get them from Monica or his family.
Please keep this A&I thread as a way for all of us to learn and prevent another catastrophe.
Let's examine the possibilities of what could have happened and prevention:
1-gear failure? valve damage or handle jarred during loading?
2-truck failure? It's been mentioned David had ongoing problems with systems in the truck. I personally don't belive this caused the fire but may have contributed.
3-dive knowledge? I personally find this doubtful in this case, as those who know him, know he was consciousnesses about training, and learning as much as he could about any subject.
4-diver error? Possibly, fatigue, rushing, multi-tasking.What we need to ask ourselves is: "Are we diligent about handling any and all cylinders each time we transport them?" I know when I'm tired or in a hurry, I'm less careful, less observant and I can become complacent in my methods when I'm loading/unloading my 20th tank of the day. I am thinking carefully how I transport gear especially deco cylinders in my SUV.