WICHITA, Kan. – Tragedy struck in Finney County as a man lost his life following an explosion in an oil tank. The incident occurred on March 27 at around 11:25 a.m. in the 3300 block of Annie Scheer Road, involving two individuals from Liberal who were working on the tank when the explosion occurred.
Both individuals were promptly airlifted to Wichita for urgent medical attention, unfortunately, one of them succumbed to injuries sustained from the blast. The Finney County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the explosion is not being treated as a criminal investigation.
The aftermath of the incident saw firefighters swiftly containing a small fire within an oil field tank battery, bringing the situation under control by 12:08 p.m. A collaborative effort from various emergency response teams including Finney County EMS, Sheriff Department, Emergency Management, Kansas Highway Patrol, Holcomb Volunteer Fire Department, and Holcomb Police Department provided essential support at the scene.
This tragic event serves as a grim reminder of the risks involved in working within the oil and gas industry. The safety and well-being of those employed in such hazardous environments are paramount, and incidents like these underscore the importance of stringent safety protocols and regulations.
As investigations continue into the cause of the explosion, authorities will be looking into safety procedures at the site and the circumstances leading up to the tragic event. The community will come together to mourn the loss of one individual and support the family and loved ones affected by this devastating incident.