Cleanup Continues After Oil Well Explodes in Oklahoma

Cleanup is continuing after an oil well explosion near Duncan, Okla., on Nov. 5 spewed petroleum product onto nearby homes.

The explosion occurred at a well three miles west of Duncan. Ron Smith, a field supervisor for the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, says the well is owned by Tulsa-based Zenergy Inc.

Smith says the well’s blowout preventer failed and that oil sprayed high into the air. He says the oil landed as far as a quarter-mile away from the well, carried by a strong east wind.

He says crews installed a new blowout preventer on the well early on Nov. 6.

Stephens County Emergency Management Director Gary Ball says three homes had to be evacuated. He says Zenergy is paying for the evacuees to stay in a hotel until the cleanup is finished.

Information from: The Duncan Banner, www.bannernet.net