May 8, 2008 - Oil Rig Explosion Injures 5 Workers in Texas

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Five workers at an oil rig just south of Carrizo Springs, Texas, were injured when the rig struck a pocket of gas, causing an explosion at 10 a.m. Thursday morning.

Two workers, who were critically injured in the explosion, were flown to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. A third worker, who is still being treated at the Dimmitt County Hospital, may also be airlifted to San Antonio to undergo more extensive treatment, hospital officials said.

A Premium Oil Company crew was drilling at the No. 9 oil rig when a pocket of gas caught fire, according to fire officials.

Work crews from Houston should arrive sometime Thursday afternoon to assist in extinguishing the flames. The smoke plume could be seen from 20 miles away.