2 workers killed, 9 hurt in blast at Texas oil field: sheriff
by The Associated Press
Workers were changing a wellhead when buildup of pressure led to explosion
MENTONE, Texas—A sheriff says the number of oil workers injured following a fatal explosion at a West Texas oil field has grown to nine.
Two workers were killed in the explosion April 30 near Texas’ border with New Mexico.
Loving County sheriff Billy Hopper initially said four workers were hurt.
He did not know the extent of the injuries.
He says the workers were changing a wellhead when a buildup of pressure led to the explosion.
He earlier indicated the workers were operating an oil rig.
He says emergency personnel are at the scene about 100 kilometres southeast of Carlsbad, N.M., but that receiving updates is difficult because radio communications are erratic and cellphones are inoperable in the rural area.
Hopper says he doesn’t know which company operates the oil field.
