Local man faces long road to recovery after being burned in engine explosion

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The man burned in Wednesday's engine explosion on Kingsbury Grade has been identified as Ronald Svetlik of Stateline. He is currently in critical condition at the U.C. Davis Burn Center with third degree burns over 30 percent of his body, including his scalp, face, eyes, lips, hands, palms, arms and legs.

Ronald Svetlik has lived in South Lake Tahoe for over 30 years, having moved to town from Littleton, Colorado. He spent 14 years working for the City of South Lake Tahoe as a lead mechanic and is now the owner of Ron’s Auto and Small Engine. Prior to his employment at the City, Ron worked with Roy Testa at Welcomes Auto Body, Kingsbury Auto and Harrahs Tahoe.

At this time the doctors at UC Davis Burn Center/ICU are unable to determine the length of time Ron will be there and his road to recovery is day by day, and a long one at that, according to his wife Jakki who has been at his side with Harley Wells, her son and Ron's stepson.

"Ron is a master mechanic and uses his hands to work his wonders on everything he touches, that now seems light years away if ever again," said Jakki. "We are faced with the possibility of multiple skin grafts and surgeries. The main focus of care thus far is to keep Ron stable and as comfortable as possible."

Jakki and Harley are having to stay in lodging near the hospital, and with an unknown stay at Davis, costs will mount.

"We are still in the dark as to what the insurance will cover after the deductible has been met," said Jakki. "Ron will need specialists, physical therapy and, as stated previously, multiple painful surgeries."

Those wishing to repay Ron's years of kindness can donate directly to Jakki to help with immediate expenses on the paypal using JAXCOTTAGE17@gmail.com. When logging onto paypal, select the "sending to a friend" option. At this time there is no GoFundMe account.