The video above from Limestone Fire Protection District Captain Don Boyle shows what appears to be a BLEVE rupturing the end of a tank at Tulsa Asphalt in Tulsa, Oklahoma on Monday. Three firefighters were hurt. The blast occurs around the 1:40 mark in the video. In the news coverage video below from KJRH-TV you will see the TV station’s wide shot of the explosion that shows the end of the tank flying through the air.
Glenn Usdin’s FireTruckBlog.com has details on an Air Guard Fire Department rig damaged in the blast.
Firefighters were dousing the tanks with water when suddenly an explosion knocked the fireman back and sent him running away from the scene.
Three firefighters were injured during the fight, but all were released shortly after being checked out.
The fire started near tanks that first responders were told held fuel oil, diesel and oil for making asphalt.
Seven tanks caught fire, but only one exploded. Rogers County Emergency management said it appears a pressure relief valve failed on that tank.
It happened after the fire was almost out but while the tanks were still hot.
The blast left three firefighters with minor injuries, but none required hospitalization.
