Propane Tank Explodes At Western Avenue Medical Center

News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -- A propane tank is blamed for an explosion that led to evacuations at a strip mall near SW 116th Street and Western Avenue. Several injuries were reported.

The explosion took place near Access Medical Center, 11601 South Western, just before 9:30 a.m. Saturday. Fire officials said two men were working with hot tar on the roof of the medical center when the propane tank exploded.

Fire from the explosion damaged the medical center and threatened two additional propane tanks before firefighters knocked down the blaze. Fire officials said if those tanks had exploded, it could have damaged several blocks.

The two roofers were injured and transported to a local hospital. Their names and conditions have not been released. A medical crew was also dispatched to the Scott Cleaners at 11815 S. Western to treat someone for a smoke inhalation.

Patients inside the center and workers and customers at nearby businesses were evacuated from the area. A man working across the street helped get others out of the surrounding buildings and medical center.

"I thought man I better do something. So I ran across the street and started opening doors up and yelling at everyone to get out," said Ivan Powell.

"He [Powell] could have saved a lot of lives. He's a true blessing to Oklahoma," said Karlyn Blumenthal, who was inside one of the buildings during the explosion.

Numerous fire engines, ambulances and police crews responded to the scene. It is still unclear exactly what caused the explosion.