Worker Falls 50 Feet From Oil Rig

A worker is in critical condition after authorities say he fell 50 feet during an oil rig accident.

Monday, August 11th 2008, 7:04 pm

By: News On 6


A worker is in critical condition after authorities say he fell 50 feet during an oil rig accident. It happened Monday morning in rural Osage County near Prue. News On 6's Chris Wright reports first responders say falls like this are rare. But, with oil rigs popping up all over Green Country, they say there is the possibility of more accidents.

When responders first got the call Monday morning, they were told an Osage County oil rig had collapsed. After arriving, they found that was not the case, but a worker had plunged 50 feet from it.

"Falls are something we run every day. Falls of this magnitude are thankfully rare," said Deputy Chief Tom Jenkins, Sand Springs Fire Department.

The worker, identified as a man in his 20's, suffered a head wound and other serious injuries. Authorities say he then went into cardiac arrest, but was revived at the scene. He was taken to an area hospital.

"That's a long distance to fall. He's a lucky individual to be where he is. It's going to take some prayer and some good luck from this point on to ensure his success," said Deputy Chief Jenkins.

Despite the dangerous nature of the work, authorities say near-fatal falls from oil rigs don't happen very often. But, with the high price of oil fueling a drilling boom in the area, first responders are preparing for more calls like Monday morning's.

"With oil prices the way they are, you could find derrecks and oil pump stations that were out of service for mechanical reasons that people are bringing back online and repairing. We might see an increase in this activity, who knows," said Deputy Chief Jenkins.

Sand Springs fire crews say the remote location of the rig made responding to the call difficult. The Department assisted Green Country Fire, Cleveland Police and Fire and the Osage County Sheriff's Department.

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