Wednesday, May 25, 2011

When a Tornado Hits a Drilling Site

 
Cactus Rig 117 Canadian County, Oklahoma. 

Tornado Aftermath. Picture courtesy Derrick Brown.


Link to Story*

May 24, 2011



Injuries reported when storm hits Oklahoma oil rig

Associated Press



EL RENO — An El Reno official says 20 workers at an oil and gas rig were hurt when a possible tornado moved through the area.



Community Services Director Terry Floyd also said Tuesday that the storm did extensive damage to the rig, as well as a Devon Energy production plant and a metal business.



Floyd said he didn't know the extent of the workers' injuries at the rig owned by Cactus Drilling. Emergency workers also contained a gas leak caused by damage to the plant, and damage was reported to Calumet Industries, a metal business.



Floyd also says officials closed Highway 66 between El Reno and Calumet until emergency personnel could evaluate conditions. Interstate 40 was closed but was reopened.



The medical examiner's office has confirmed four fatalities in Canadian County.


* Thanks to Arlington resident, Kim Feil, for sharing this story with us.

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