A barrel explosion in Rogers County on Friday left two men seriously injured, resulting in the temporary closure of Highway 66 and Highway 410. The explosion occurred when the men attempted to cut open a 55-gallon barrel that had previously contained windshield wiper fluid.
Details of the Incident
According to the Rogers County Sheriff’s Office, the men were working with the barrel when the explosion occurred. One of the men suffered severe burns and was airlifted to a hospital, while the other was transported by ambulance. The current conditions of the victims have not been released as of now.
Highway Closure and Emergency Response
As a result of the explosion, authorities temporarily closed all lanes of Highway 66 and Highway 410 to allow for a medical helicopter to land. Sheriff Scott Walton has since issued a public warning about the dangers of handling chemical containers, even if they are believed to be empty.
Caution with Chemical Containers
Sheriff Walton emphasized the potential danger of chemical containers like the one involved in the explosion, even after their contents have been removed. “A drum or vessel of any kind can remain flammable and explosive long after the content has dried up,” Walton said.
He advised people to exercise extreme caution when handling such containers, particularly when cutting them open with tools like cutting torches or other equipment.
Investigation Underway
Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the explosion. Sheriff Walton’s warning comes after a series of similar incidents in which people have been injured while trying to handle or cut open containers that were once filled with chemicals.
