A violent refinery explosion in Wynnewood, Oklahoma sent at least two people to the hospital on May 23, 2023, according to a statement from Garvin County Sheriff’s Office. The explosion occurred at Wynnewood Refining. The condition of the injured Oklahoma refinery workers is not known at this time. These two individuals have suffered serious burns. The names of the workers have not yet been made public, pending notification of family.

The Wynnewood Refining explosion occurred at about 8:30 Tuesday morning. The blast resulted in a significant fire at the Oklahoma refinery. Emergency personnel were dispatched to the refinery and managed to get the fire under control later in the day, according to Garvin County Undersheriff James Richardson.

Investigation Commenced into Cause of Wynnewood Refining Explosion Accident

Directly after the fire was contained at Wynnewood Refining, an investigation commenced into the cause of the refinery. Multiple governmental agencies as well as the company itself are involved in the investigation.

Preliminary information gleaned from the investigation indicates that the blast was the result of fire caused by a spark in the gasoline hydrotreater at the facility. A gasoline hydrotreater is a refining unit that is used to produce cleaner gasoline by removing impurities like sulfur and nitrogen compounds. The process of hydrotreating involves the use of hydrogen gas and a catalyst to break down these impurities, resulting in cleaner and more environmentally friendly fuel.

The gasoline hydrotreater is a critical component of the refining process, as it helps to ensure that the gasoline produced is of a high quality and meets regulatory standards. In addition to removing impurities, the unit also helps to improve the octane rating of the fuel, which is a measure of its performance capabilities.

Overview of Wynnewood Refining

Wynnewood Refining is an Oklahoma-based refinery has been in operation since 1917.The company was originally built in 1917 by the Acme Refining Company. It was later acquired by the Champlin Oil and Refining Company, which operated it for many years. In 2000, the refinery was purchased by the Gary-Williams Energy Corporation, and it was renamed to Wynnewood Refining Company.

Today, Wynnewood Refining is one of the largest refineries in the United States. It has the capacity to process around 75,000 barrels of crude oil per day, and it produces a wide range of petroleum-based products, including gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel, and asphalt.

Not the First Explosion at Wynnewood Refining

Officials explained that the Wynnewood Refining explosion this week is not the first significant blast at the facility. In fact, there have been several explosions at Wynnewood Refining between 2006 and 2012. There evidently were no significant explosions at the refinery from 2021 to the blast this week.

Most Common Refinery Explosion Accident Injuries

The most common refinery explosion accident injuries sustained by workers are:

• Burns
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Respiratory injuries
• Hearing loss

In most instances, a victim of a refinery explosion accident will suffer more than one of these injuries. For example, in the case of the Wynnewood Refining explosion accident, we have learned that workers taken to the hospital did suffer serious burn injuries. We do know yet know if they have sustained any other types of injuries.

Legal Rights After a Refinery Explosion Accident

If you or a loved one have been injured in a refinery explosion accident, you are wise to arrange a consultation with an experienced lawyer, like a member of the legal team at The Doan Law Firm. A nationwide law practice with an experienced refinery explosion accident lawyer team, The Doan Law Firm can schedule an initial consultation at any time that is convenient for you. You can schedule an initial consultation with a Doan Law Firm refinery explosion accident lawyer by calling us at (800) 349-0000 any time of the day or night.

The Doan Law Firm has 40 offices located across the country. We can schedule an appointment with an refinery explosion accident lawyer at any one of our offices, at your home, or at any other location that works for you. A virtual consultation with an explosion accident lawyer can also be arranged online.

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