OSHA Investigates Fatal Fracking Accident in Colorado

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating an accident at a hydraulic fracturing site in northern Colorado that killed one worker and seriously injured two others.

OSHA Area Director Herb Gibson said Friday investigators are looking at the cause of the accident, oversight, safety measures and operating procedures. The agency is also looking at ways to prevent such accidents. The investigation is expected to take a month or more.

Authorities say the three men were trying to heat a frozen high-pressure water line at the oil or gas well site on Thursday.

According to the Greeley Tribune, Matthew Smith was killed when he was hit with a stream of water, and Thomas Sedlmayr and Grant Casey were injured.