Incident date: 2024-08-28
NAICS industry code: 237120

Three employees were removing a cover from an oil well storage tank. Some of the bolts were corroded, so the employees used an electric grinder to remove the bolts. Sparks from the grinding wheel ignited liquid/fumes inside the tank, causing the tank to explode. One employee received severe burns to over 70% of their body.

Hazard classification:
code_event: title: Explosion of nonpressurized vapors, gases, or liquids
code_source: title: Tanks, bins, vats  except confined space
code_nature: title: Thermal burns  degree unspecified
code_body: title: Multiple body parts  n.e.c.
severity: moderate