Four individuals were injured in an oilfield explosion that took place in Grady County, Oklahoma, on Monday afternoon. The explosion sparked a fire that officials say could continue to burn for multiple days.
According to KOCO 5, the explosion occurred Monday outside Bradley, Oklahoma. The Grady County Fire Department confirmed that four individuals were injured in the explosion and were transported to a local hospital for medical treatment.
While the Grady County Sheriff’s Office said the four individuals were transported to a Lindsay hospital, KOCO 5 reported that it was not clear how severe the injuries were.
“I don’t know how severe the injuries are,” Grady County Fire Department Chief Rodney Gregory said. “They were all transported and taken care of.”
KOCO 5 reported that after firefighters suppressed the initial flames, a second fire started at the scene of the oilfield. While firefighters were able to contain the fire, they moved back and allowed the fire to continue to burn in a limited capacity. Officials have indicated that the fire could burn for multiple days.
“In almost 30 years, this is maybe the sixth or seventh one I’ve seen in this county,” Gregory stated. “This could go on for days.”
READ MORE: Video: Explosion leaves 1 dead, 7 injured
Gregory added, “The second fire was accidental due to the heat from the equipment that was still there.”
The oilfield is currently operated by Red Rock Oil and Gas. Gregory confirmed that the four individuals injured in Monday’s explosion were all employees of the company.
Gregory explained that the firefighters moved their truck back away from the fire amid concerns that the oil rig might not be structurally stable.
“It could fall over. The pipes could fall out of the (oil) derrick,” Gregory said. “It’s a good reason to keep everyone away from it.”
Despite allowing the fire to continue, fire crews have expressed confidence that the fire will be able to be controlled.
“As long as it’s still burning, it’s safer than if it is not,” Gregory said. “The contaminants will burn that way.”
According to KOCO 5, fire officials have indicated that no other property was damaged in Monday’s explosion. News 9 reported that the Grady County Sheriff’s Office said Monday’s incident was caused by “a blowback on a rig.”
