Several Residents Without Power For Days After Tulsa Apartment Explosion

Dozens of families are desperate after not having electricity for four days, after an explosion and fire at their apartment complex.

Tulsa Police said the explosion last Friday was caused by a man changing out his oxygen tank while smoking. That man was killed.

Even in the apartments that weren't damaged, people still don't have electricity; they said they're running out of the money the Red Cross gave them for food and hotels.

Those residents said they're stressed and overwhelmed. Some have children, one man's wife is on hospice, and another man lost everything.

"I was in the fire trying to help everybody. Taking my life at risk for everybody here,” said Laura Wickson.

"I couldn't hear for a second. I couldn't see for a second. The boom was so loud. And everything was flying,” said Illiaya Williams.

Illiaya lives at Magnolia Creek Apartments and was directly above the explosion.

"He was in his chair burning alive. He was waving his arms. He was screaming and kicking his arms and I couldn't get through the door cause the fire wouldn't allow it. I had to sit there and watch it,” said Illiaya.

Laura Wickson's apartment has smoke damage and holes in the ceiling. She doesn't want her one year old anywhere near the apartment.

"Feel like giving up on myself sometimes. But all I can do is try to keep my head up as much as possible. I just hate the death that's happened here. I can't even look at this place,” said Laura.

Residents are getting worried because they've used all of the money they had from the Red Cross.

"We pay our rent and pay our bills. We deserve to go in our place. Why is this stuff still off,” said Rita Bruner.

Rita, who is diabetic and on oxygen, said all of her food is spoiled and she's sleeping in her car.

"I don't have no food stamps. I have nothing. I get a check once a month,” said Rita.

The Tulsa Fire Marshal said both an electrician and building engineer must come out, fix what needs to be fixed, and write a letter, saying it's safe for residents to return.

"I want to go home,” said Illiaya.

The apartment manager said he wouldn't be giving an official statement, but said a contractor was at the complex and had "some things set up with them," for Tuesday.