The man injured when a propane tank apparently exploded in a Hampden rowhouse Tuesday afternoon was identified yesterday as Michael Welk, 48, the city Fire Department said.

Welk, who lived in the house in the 3400 block of Hickory Ave., remained at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center yesterday suffering from second-degree burns and other injuries and is expected to recover, said Chief Kevin Cartwright, a Fire Department spokesman.

Cartwright said investigators think a malfunctioning propane tank exploded, causing extensive damage to the structure and two adjacent rowhouses.

Four children also were injured.

Welk suffered the most serious injuries, officials said.