Occidental Petroleum plant fire nearly extinguished
BAKERSFIELD – The fire that began by explosions at the Occidental Petroleum is now almost completely out.
The initial explosion occurred Tuesday just after 2 p.m.
The Occidental Petroleum lease at Elk Hills is located just off Highway 119 between Interstate 5 and Taft.
The fire erupted after a natural gas leak caused an explosion in one of the pipelines.
Two more explosions occurred over the next three hours, filling the sky with 40-foot flames.
One person was airlifted to Kern Medical Center in serious condition with second- and third-degree burns, and then transferred to the burn unit in Fresno listed in good condition.
Three other people were taken to the hospital by ambulance, also suffering burns, and are now home recovering.
“We are thankful that the workers injured are recovering nicely,” said Susie Geiger, Occidental of Elk Hills. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to them and their families and we hope for a speedy recovery.”
The fuel was completely shut off Wednesday morning.
Officials said as soon as the fire is out, they will be able to further investigate to find out what occurred.
Source: www.kget.com
