Rogers County, Okla. — A serious explosion involving a 55-gallon drum occurred Friday, injuring two men who were attempting to cut it open. The incident led to the temporary closure of Highway 66 and Highway 410 as emergency responders worked to airlift one victim to a local hospital while another was taken by ambulance.
The Rogers County Sheriff’s Office reported that the barrel had previously contained windshield wiper fluid, a chemical that can pose dangers even when the container appears empty. One man sustained severe burns in the explosion and was immediately transported via helicopter, while the second man’s injuries were less severe but still required medical attention. As of now, the details concerning their current conditions remain undisclosed.
Sheriff Scott Walton cautioned the public regarding safety when dealing with any type of chemical container, stressing the potential hazards even after its contents have been removed. He highlighted the risks associated with improper handling, particularly urging individuals to be wary of cutting tools or torches when working with such materials.
“A drum or any vessel can remain hazardous long after its contents seem exhausted,” Walton emphasized. “We’ve seen numerous injuries over the years resulting from attempts to open or modify these kinds of containers.”
The investigation into the incident is ongoing as authorities seek to determine the specific circumstances that led to the explosion. Meanwhile, safety experts continue to advocate for greater awareness regarding chemical storage and disposal practices, urging individuals to thoroughly understand the materials they work with.
Residents in the area have expressed concern about the incident, reiterating the importance of handling hazardous materials with care. The sheriff’s office has committed to sharing educational resources to prevent similar accidents in the future.
As the community grapples with the implications of this event, local leaders are calling for heightened vigilance regarding chemical safety. More measures may be implemented to ensure that residents are informed about potential risks associated with handling forgotten or discarded containers.