Updated: 18 Apr 2007
San Antonio Express
San Antonio Texas
By United Press Sept 8, 1945
Blazing well in Oklahoma causes death
of worker before flames are extinguished
One of two oil well workers burned in the explosion and fire at Petroleum Company, Edmond, Okla. derrick near the Oklahoma City municipal airport died early Saturday as firemen brought the blazing well under control.
The victim was Ralph Merwin, 44 year old driller, who was caught in the "cellar" of the well when a wayward spark converted it into a tremendous torch reaching 200 feet into the air.
An oil field firefighting firm of Houston, Tex., took over at the sight late Friday after the spectacular flames spluttered and fumed despite the day-long efforts of the local fire department. After dragging heavy steel wreckage away from the fiery hole, the asbestos-clad workmen set off a blast of nitroglycerine "blew" the flames out.Submitted by Jennie Durao > res1dizu@verizon.net< October 2002.