Myton, Uintah County–A man was killed in an explosion late Tuesday night. The victim and his co worker, Rusty Harris who was also injured, were preforming a routine inspection on the oil tank near the well when it exploded. Crews spent most of the day Wednesday working to extract his body from the wreckage of the well that is owned by Newfeild Production.
The 400 pound tank was next to a well that has been producing at a good rate. Newfield Production claims to be willing to help in any investigations that occur and are hoping to reopen the lucrative well soon. For the time being, all employees are being kept out of a half mile radius as investigators are determining the safety of the area. This is a set back for the state’s largest producer of crude oil.
Only an estimated 2% of all injuries in the oil and gas industry lead to death. However each injury can lead to loss of work and limb. It can be difficult for workers and their families to recover both from the initial injury of the accident as well as from the emotional and financial injuries which follow. Oil and gas service agents, who check the equipment, account for a sixth of all on the job injury claims in the petroleum business according to worksafe.org.
We at Christensen & Hymas wish to express our sympathies to the these families. If we can be of any help in your healing process we extend our support. If you or someone else you know has been injured in an industrial accident like this call us at (801) 506-0800.
Original article and photo from Deseret News