Sand Springs Explosion Kills Two at Marijuana Grow Facility
Two Dead After Sand Springs Marijuana Grow Facility Explosion
Two people are dead following a massive Sand Springs explosion early Thursday morning at a marijuana grow facility inside a business complex.
The explosion happened around 1 a.m. near South Lincoln Avenue and Morrow Road at the Morrow-Gill complex. Authorities initially reported one person dead and another critically injured, but police later confirmed that two people died inside the facility.
Sand Springs Explosion Leaves Two Dead
Emergency crews from Sand Springs and Tulsa responded after the explosion caused extensive damage to the business complex.
Authorities said the blast originated at a marijuana grow facility that also contained a living space. The identities of the two people killed have not been released.
The explosion damaged the surrounding area and resulted in localized natural gas leaks, requiring emergency crews to secure the scene while investigators and utility crews assessed the danger.
Morrow Road remains closed between Main Street and Adams Road, and businesses inside the affected area have been ordered to remain closed until emergency officials determine the buildings can be safely accessed.
Nearby Mercy Regional EMS was also affected by the blast. Ambulances were temporarily relocated to a local fire station so emergency medical operations could continue while access to the normal facility was restricted.
The City of Sand Springs provides emergency and public safety updates for residents as conditions affecting city services and roads develop.
Businesses Asked to Contact Sand Springs Police
The Sand Springs Police Department is asking business owners within the affected industrial area to contact police dispatch and provide their information.
Officials are coordinating access to buildings so structural damage and other potential hazards can be evaluated once firefighters determine the area is safe.
The size of the blast has complicated those assessments. Authorities are continuing to monitor gas leaks and other hazards created by the explosion while keeping the immediate area restricted.
Drivers should avoid the area around Morrow Road while the closure remains in effect and allow emergency personnel room to work.
Business owners should also wait for clearance from authorities before attempting to enter buildings inside the restricted zone.
The Sand Springs Police Department provides public safety information and updates for the community.
Cause of Sand Springs Marijuana Facility Explosion Under Investigation
The cause of the Sand Springs marijuana grow facility explosion has not been determined.
The Oklahoma State Fire Marshal is investigating what caused the early-morning blast. Authorities have not announced whether investigators believe the explosion was accidental or identified what may have ignited it.
The Oklahoma State Fire Marshal investigates fires and explosions across the state and assists local agencies in determining their origin and cause.
The presence of a marijuana grow operation is part of the investigation, but officials have not publicly established that the nature of the business caused or contributed to the explosion.
Authorities are expected to continue examining the building, utility systems and other evidence at the scene as conditions become safe enough for investigators to work.
The deaths bring additional attention to an investigation already affecting businesses, traffic and emergency operations in the Sand Springs area.
For now, Morrow Road remains closed, surrounding businesses remain affected and investigators are working to determine what caused the explosion that killed two people.
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