PINEDALE – At 10:18 a.m. on Friday November 22nd the Sublette County Sheriff’s Office dispatch center received multiple calls regarding an explosion in the Jonah Field. It was reported that a tank had exploded at Encana’s Antelope 91-29H facility. Deputies along with Sublette County EMS from Sand Draw, Pinedale and Big Piney immediately went en route. Firefighters from Boulder and Big Piney volunteer fire departments also responded to the scene.
A total of five patients were transported for medical treatment. One subject in critical condition was life-flighted from the scene to the University of Utah Medical Center by Guardian helicopter. Three patients were transported to the Pinedale clinic by ambulance –of those, one was taken by an Air Idaho fixed wing aircraft stationed at the Pinedale airport to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in serious condition. The second was flown to University of Utah Medical Center in stable condition by Guardian fixed wing aircraft. The third patient was treated at the Pinedale clinic and released. One patient was taken by ambulance from the scene of the explosion to the Rock Springs hospital in stable condition.
Big Piney and Boulder fire departments have the fire contained and are allowing it to burn out. The incident will be investigated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
UPDATE 4:44 PM November 22nd,
Encana has released the following statement
One more update regarding the incident that occurred today in Jonah Field. This has been a difficult and sad day and our friends and co-workers that were hurt are in our thoughts and prayers.
Today (November 22, 2013), at 10:18 a.m., a fire and tank explosion occurred at Encana’s Antelope 91-29H Facility in the Jonah Field, off of Luman Road, approximately 35 miles south of Pinedale, Wyo.
At this time, we can confirm that five individuals were injured. They were all contractors. One person in critical condition was life-flighted from the scene; three others were transported to the Pinedale clinic by ambulance and one individual was taken by ambulance to the Rock Springs hospital. The names and conditions of these individuals are not known at this time.
We know that some welding work was being conducted on the condensate tanks on location, however the exact reason for the explosion is not known at this time. We will work with the appropriate agencies to determine the exact cause.
Big Piney and Boulder fire departments responded to the incident. They contained the fire and allowed it to burn out. The fire was fully out by 1:00 p.m. The facility has been contained according to our emergency response procedures.
OSHA was notified and is responding to the incident. Encana and the contracting company involved are working with them. No environmental impact as a result of the incident has been determined at this time.
A drilling rig is operating near the facility where the incident occurred, however, the rig was not impacted.
Our thoughts and prayers are with our friends and co-workers that were hurt today, and their families.
