Colorado-3 Hurt In Weld County Oil Tank Battery Fire

The Weld County Sheriff’s Office responded to an oil tank battery fire near Highway 14 and Weld County Road 83 near Briggsdale. Three crew members were hurt; one of them suffered severe burns and had to be flown to North Colorado Medical Center.

Investigators say immediate details show the fire started during maintenance operations. The fire is now out.

Officials say there is no obvious cause, but the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission will take over the investigation. Officials describe the fire as an industrial accident.

Debris could be seen strewn across the field from Copter4. It appears the lid of one oil tank flew about 100 yards from the site.

A truck belonging to a company called Element Services was on at the scene. However, officials with Mallard Exploration say the new construction site belongs to them. The workers, however, are contractors.

“This 10-acre site is located east of Briggsdale in rural Weld County. There are no producing wells currently at this location. While one of the contractors was working on an out-of-service storage tank, sparks from a power tool ignited some residual oil and vapor inside the tank. The contractor suffered burns and was airlifted to hospital. Two other contractors were taken to hospital by ambulance with minor injuries. We are currently informed none of the injuries are considered life threatening,” Mallard Exploration said in an email statement.

Company officials say they are cooperating with all investigating agencies.

The Ault Police Department was called to help with traffic control.

Source: CBS