Garden City, Kansas – Tragedy struck in the oil fields of southwest Kansas, where one of the two men involved in an industrial accident has tragically passed away. The incident occurred in Finney County, prompting a swift response from emergency services.
According to the Finney County Sheriff’s office, the Garden City Fire Department received reports of an explosion at around 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday. The accident occurred at an oil tank on West Annie Scheer Road, resulting in severe burns for both men from Liberal who were working on the tank at the time.
The injured men were quickly airlifted to Wichita for urgent medical treatment. Sadly, despite efforts to save him, one of the men did not survive his injuries. The authorities have not disclosed the names of the victims as investigations into the accident are still ongoing.
Local emergency services, including Finney County EMS, the Sheriff’s Department, and the Kansas Highway Patrol, rushed to the scene to provide support. Firefighters worked diligently to contain a small fire at the oil field tank battery following the explosion, successfully bringing it under control by noon.
The Sheriff’s office has clarified that the incident is not being treated as a criminal matter. The community of Liberal, the victims’ hometown, is left mourning the loss of one of its own due to this tragic accident in the oil fields of southwest Kansas.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging all workers in the oil industry to prioritize safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The close-knit communities of Finney County and Liberal are coming together to support the families and loved ones affected by this heartbreaking event.
The resilience and unity displayed in the face of adversity highlight the strength of these communities as they grapple with the aftermath of the devastating oil field accident.