Oil Tank Explodes Near Kiefer Injuring Two Workers

NewsOn6.com

KIEFER, OK -- An oil tank exploded in flames Wednesday morning near Kiefer injuring two men. 

The pair was flown by medical helicopters to Tulsa area hospitals.  

The Creek County Sheriff's Office tells The News On 6, a 35-year-old man suffered burns to 80 percent of his body and the other man was also injured.   

The Oklahoma Corporation Commission says the inspectors had been at the site on Tuesday due to a complaint by a nearby landowner. 

The OCC says the inspector found several environmental violations and ordered the operator, TNR Energy LLC of Collinsville to make immediate corrections. 

Those repairs were being made Wednesday when the explosion and fire occurred. 

The Creek County Sheriff's Office says it appears the two workers were trying to remove some bolts from the oil tank with a cutting torch. 

Some liquid or fumes from the tank ignited causing an explosion and fire. 

The tank battery is located just northwest of Kiefer. 

No word on either of the men's conditions.