$52,000 Reward Offered for Added Information in Fatal Kan. Blast

McPherson Drilling Co. owner Ron McPherson and family members of the Kansas men killed or injured in the June 2 Montgomery County oil rig explosion jointly reported that private contributions totaling $42,000 have been added to the $10,000 existing reward for information leading to the arrest and successful prosecution of those responsible for the explosion. The group has established a Web site, www.mikeandmac.info.

The explosion at a McPherson Drilling Co. drilling site resulted in the deaths of two McPherson employees, Michael W. Holland, 29, of Altoona, Kan., and William M. Sanborn, 29, of Burlington, Kan. William W. Kobelt, 20, of Altoona, was injured. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office (KSFMO) and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) are jointly investigating the case.

The explosion, on County Road 6400 just west of County Road 2700 in Montgomery County near the Wilson county line, was initially believed to be accidental, but evidence subsequently gathered at the scene indicated the explosion might have been the result of a criminal act. There are currently no indications that the explosion was an act of terrorism.

Anyone with information concerning the explosion should contact ATF at the Wichita Field Office, 316-269-6229, or at the toll free 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8777).