Ryan Bassham Posts $2 Million Bond in Sand Springs Explosion Case

Ryan Bassham Posts $2 Million Bond in Deadly Sand Springs Explosion Case

Ryan Bassham turned himself in to the Tulsa County Sheriff's Office Sunday and was released later the same day after posting a $2 million bond in connection with the deadly Sand Springs explosion that killed two people.

Bassham, 35, faces two counts of first-degree murder following the August 27 explosion at a marijuana extraction business inside the Morrow Gill Business Complex. Authorities say the blast happened during a THC extraction process and damaged more than 20 surrounding businesses.

Investigators say the business had previously failed safety inspections and had been ordered by the Sand Springs fire marshal to stop operating before the explosion. Bassham is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

Ryan Bassham Posts $2 Million Bond After Surrendering Sunday

Ryan Bassham surrendered Sunday at the Tulsa County Jail, days after prosecutors filed two first-degree murder charges in connection with the explosion.

Bassham's bond was set at $1 million on each murder charge, for a combined $2 million. Tulsa County jail records showed he posted both bonds on the same day he was booked.

The charges followed an investigation into the massive explosion that occurred shortly after 1 a.m. Thursday at the Morrow Gill Business Complex in Sand Springs.

One person was found dead at the scene. A second person was transported to a hospital in critical condition and later died from injuries sustained in the blast.

The explosion also caused widespread damage throughout the commercial complex, affecting more than 20 neighboring businesses and sending debris across the surrounding area.

Information about inmates, jail bookings and other services is available through the Tulsa County Sheriff's Office.

Sand Springs Explosion Followed Failed Safety Inspections

Investigators say the explosion occurred during a THC extraction process at the marijuana extraction business associated with Bassham.

Authorities have also said the Sand Springs fire marshal had ordered operations to stop because of failed safety inspections before the deadly blast.

THC extraction can involve hazardous and highly flammable substances, requiring specialized equipment and safety procedures.

The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority regulates commercial marijuana businesses in Oklahoma, including processors. State regulations include additional requirements for processors conducting certain hazardous extraction activities.

Information about licensing and compliance requirements for marijuana processors is available through the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority.

Investigators continue working to determine the precise circumstances that led to the explosion, including the facility's operations and compliance with applicable safety requirements.

State and Federal Investigators Continue Sand Springs Explosion Investigation

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation is leading the investigation into the deadly explosion with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms  and local authorities.

Investigators are conducting a chemical and forensic examination of the scene to determine exactly what caused the blast and the circumstances surrounding the THC extraction operation.

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation provides investigative assistance to law enforcement agencies across Oklahoma, including investigations involving major crimes and complex crime scenes.

Bassham's arrest does not end the investigation. Authorities continue examining evidence from the business complex as prosecutors move forward with the two murder cases.

The August 27 Sand Springs explosion left two people dead and caused extensive damage to businesses throughout the Morrow Gill complex.

Bassham has now been released after posting the $2 million bond, but he continues to face two counts of first-degree murder in Tulsa County.

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