'He's A Fighter': Community Welcomes Wynnewood Refinery Fire Victim Home

The community of Davis welcomes home one of its own. Eli Warren survived an oil refinery explosion in Wynnewood that killed his coworker. Warren left the hospital Friday in Oklahoma City with an 84-mile escort from first responders.

Family and staff cheered as Eli left the hospital after spending almost 100 days in the burn unit.

“It's amazing,” said Eli’s friend Jim Bolding. “It's nothing short of amazing he has defied every odd every timeline.”

Eli beat those odds after suffering severe burns in an explosion at the oil refinery in Wynnewood where he worked. His coworker, Wes Foster, died.

“Wes is right there above all angels along with us because it's big tragedy, but it is so exciting that Eli is coming home,” said Lorrie Warren, Eli’s Aunt.

Along I-35, exit after exit, the caravan grew with first responders to escort Eli home.

“So many people pulling for him, on his side, it's hard not to be,” said Bolding.

The 84-mile convoy of lights and sirens made the trek down the highway to Davis, with more than 24 different agencies joining in, for one of their own, Eli is also a volunteer firefighter.

“Nobody would have anticipated this kind of support, but you know the refining community the small-town community the fire community the brotherhood is well intact,” said Bolding.

And once the caravan entered main street Davis, you could feel the love. Streets lined with a community that will never forget, waving, screaming, holding signs, even the high school band was playing.

“It’s not just for our family but for Wes’s family,” said Warren.

“He's doing great, his spirit is good, he's a fighter without a doubt,” added Bolding.

And now he’s home, where he belongs.