WACO (July 24, 2009)—One man was seriously injured late Friday afternoon when a 2-and-a-half-foot-tall tank containing nitrous oxide exploded while he and two other people worked on a Chevrolet Camaro in a shed in south Waco.

Authorities said the explosion partially amputated one of his legs.

He was taken to Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center.

Waco Fire Marshal Jerry Hawk said it appeared the man lost the lower portion of a leg.

Paramedics were treating a woman at the scene and about 90 minutes after the explosion, a young girl who lived in a nearby home was taken to the hospital as a precaution after complaining of an earache.

A second man escaped injury and called 911 to report the explosion, authorities said.

Units were dispatched just after 4:45 p.m. to 2811 Old Marlin Rd. where, according to initial reports, a tank of nitrogen had exploded.

The explosion ignited a small fire, Hawk said.

Nitrous oxide is used to boost automotive performance.