3 Injured in Pipeline Explosions Near Pocasset

Staff and Wire Reports

OKLAHOMA CITY – Three workers were injured when two pipelines exploded near Pocasset. Oklahoma Corporation Commission spokesman Matt Skinner said the pipeline owned by Enogex LLC exploded late Tuesday morning as the three worked on a device that removes water from the line.

According to Skinner, they were working on the line, not a separator when it exploded.

"One was working on the valve. Something happened. I'm not sure what happened. But the guy that was working on the valve received most of the explosion, and the two men that was there, they helped and saved his life, really got him out of it," said Grady County Sheriff Art Kell.

Two workers were taken to a nearby hospital in an ambulance, but one worker was taken to Integris Baptist Medical Center's burn ward by Eaglemed.

Robert Mitchum of Minco was injured in the blast and is in serious condition, according to a family member. The family member said 50 percent of his body was burned including his hands, face and back. He sustained a compound fracture to his left leg and both ear drums are ruptured. He is recovering at INTEGRIS Baptist Hospital.

Kevin Venable was being treated for minor burns and will be discharged. Danny Fulton has minor burns but is being kept overnight for observation.

The explosions were reported about five miles west of the town. Flames were shooting hundreds of feet in the air. People who live three-quarters of a mile from the pipeline said they could feel the heat from the blasts. Three trucks on the site were burned and severely damaged.

Roads were closed just southwest of the intersection at CR 1260 and CS 2780 in Grady County due to the explosions, but were reopened at about 12:47 p.m.

Enogex allowed the remaining gas in the line to burn off before starting its investigation into what caused the blasts.

Pocasset is about 30 miles southwest of Oklahoma City.