A lightning strike sparked a major fire and explosions at an Explorer Pipeline facility in Glenpool, Oklahoma, on Monday morning. The incident forced evacuations, road closures and a shelter-in-place order at nearby schools.
Emergency crews responded to the facility near U.S. Highway 75 and West 126th Street at about 8:33 a.m. Officials received reports of an explosion before arriving at the scene.
Authorities said the fire involved two storage tanks. Firefighters worked to control the flames and prevent the blaze from spreading to other parts of the facility.
Residents evacuated in Glenpool, Oklahoma, as authorities respond to large fire at natural gas tank. pic.twitter.com/tkjAmMfPDj
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Explorer Pipeline said lightning struck a tank at its Glenpool tank farm and started the fire. Local firefighters and emergency teams quickly secured the surrounding area. Additional crews also arrived to support the response.
Meanwhile, Glenpool police closed West 126th Street South between Casper Street and South Elwood Avenue. Officials asked drivers and residents to avoid the area.
Highway 75 remained open during the emergency. However, authorities urged motorists to use caution. Drivers could also use alternate routes through West 121st Street South and South Elwood Avenue.
Nearby homes and businesses were evacuated as a precaution. In addition, Glenpool Public Schools told students and staff to shelter in place while emergency crews responded to the fire.
Officials said no injuries had been reported. Heavy smoke and large flames were visible around the pipeline facility. However, there were no immediate reports that the fire had spread beyond the property.
Storms were moving through the region when the incident occurred. Explorer Pipeline identified lightning as the cause of the initial fire.
Emergency crews continued to monitor the facility while firefighters worked to control the burning tanks and prevent additional damage.
News on 6 reported on the road closures and emergency response in Glenpool. ValleyCentral also reported that tanks at the Oklahoma pipeline facility exploded after the lightning strike. KTUL separately reported details about the evacuations, school precautions and Explorer Pipeline’s statement about the incident.
Authorities urged residents to stay away from the affected area while emergency operations continued. Officials had not immediately announced when all restrictions would be lifted.
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