Three individuals have been airlifted for treatment following an explosion and fire at an oil rig in Edwards County Friday. Grayville Police Chief Mason Siegel was first on scene after the report and says he quickly realized it was bad.
“As I was approaching, I could see thick black smoke billowing up and by the time I got close, I knew and told dispatch we’re going to need more than Little Wabash Fire Protection on this.”
The chief says there were flames soaring out of the well and he commended firefighters for how well and quickly they were able to extinguish the inferno. Crews were able to put the fire out in 20-30 minutes. One firefighter did have to be treated for heat related illness but that person is ok.
We don’t have word on the condition of the three people taken to the hospital. Siegel says they were already gone when he arrived on scene and would later learn fellow workers had gathered the men up and taken them to nearby Albion Tire prior to being helicoptered out.
Dee Drilling officials worked with IDNR officials to make sure the well site was contained and it was safe to re-open Highway 130.