THIBODAUX, La. — A call was issued at approximately 9:50 p.m. to Nicholls University Police Department reporting open flames emerging from a propane tank behind the Cotillion ballroom, igniting the leaves of an overhead tree and injuring one man.

According to the report, a fire ignited inside an exterior grill in the parking lot behind the ballroom amid a wedding celebration. An employee of the 360 Catering Company was operating the grill when he turned off the propane tank’s valve.

He said he heard a continuous hissing noise when the tank suddenly ignited. He reached through the flames to attempt to turn the valve further, resulting in second-degree burns to both of his arms.

The individual was transported by helicopter to Baton Rouge General Hospital to receive care.

Alana Reed, a student at Nicholls, commented on a post by KNSU TV on Instagram and said her father was the individual burned.

“My dad was the only one injured,” Reed said. “He’s alive but has some severe burns. I don’t know many people’s beliefs but ask for people’s prayers for my dad to have a smooth recovery.”

Lt. Christy Hawxhurst with University Police was on the scene when she first noticed smoke emerging near the rear of the ballroom. Hawxhurst contacted first responders and oversaw the crowd of bystanders until the Thibodaux Volunteer Fire Department arrived at 9:58 p.m.

The fire was extinguished with reportedly no damage to the nearby building.