Explosion kills one at Heartland Park Friday

An explosion killed a man Friday evening at Heartland Motor Sports Park, where the NHRA Heartland Nationals were held this past weekend.

Topeka Fire Marshal Mike Martin said 41-year-old Joshua Aubert was killed.

Aubert was using a torch to cut open what was thought to be an empty metal methanol drum when the explosion occurred. Fire officials believe the explosion was accidental.

EMS crews tried to stabilize the critically injured man so they could move him, but he died at the scene.