Five Workers Injured In Oil Rig Accident In North Dakota

Five workers were injured in an oil rig accident near Alexander, North Dakota on July 16, 2013. According to news reports, investigators believe the oil rig accident occurred when employees removed a cover from an oil fuel tank and an electric drill ignited the fumes, causing an explosion.

One worker, identified as 54-year-old Mike Fowler, suffered burn injuries and was transported to a hospital by helicopter. The other four workers were taken by ambulance or personal vehicle to the emergency room for treatment.

All five men were employees of Trust Land Oilfield Services, based in New Town, North Dakota. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is investigating the oil rig injury accident.