EXCLUSIVE: Mother of Fresno Explosion Victim Speaks

The family of Fresno County employee Ismael Arreazola say he is "hanging in there." Arreazola is the Fresno County employee who was driving a tractor when a gas line exploded at the Fresno County Sheriff’s Foundation gun range in Northwest Fresno last Friday.

CBS 47 located the victim’s parents house and spoke with relatives. His family says they are thankful he is alive.

Ismael’s mother only spoke with CBS47.

"I feel pain for my son. My son is special for me," said Josefina Arreazola.

Without being able to communicate with her son, Ismael’s mother can still see what the explosion has done to her son.

"no talking. One pipe in his mouth and a lot on the body. A lot of burns on the face and the hands. A lot and the head too," said Josefina Arreazola.

A neighbor, who’s lived next door to the family for 30 years, says she knew of the explosion but had no idea one of the victims was someone she knew.

Mary Guerrero says, "I was shocked. I was shocked. It’s sad to know it was my neighbor’s son."

Arreazola is still in critical condition at Community Regional Medical Center’s burn unit. Six inmates are still hospitalized as well.

According to the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, one inmate also in critical condition, while three are in critical but stable condition.

Fresno blood bank leaders say burn victims will need a lot of blood over the span of several months as they go through surgeries. If people want to help these victims, the blood bank says donating blood during the next several weeks and months would be a great way to start.