Trucker killed in explosion; used torch to thaw valve

January 29, 2010 by Fred Hosier

Posted in: Bizarre Accident of the Week, Fatality, In this week's e-newsletter, Latest News & Views, Transportation safety, fire/explosion

OSHA is looking into an explosion that killed a truck driver in Seminole, OK.

Authorities say Richard Basque was using a propane torch to thaw a frozen valve on a tanker truck when an explosion threw him 12 feet. He was killed instantly. Other employees at Tiger Tank Trucks suffered minor injuries.

The explosion was felt about two miles away. It blew sheet metal off the trucking company and shattered windows in adjacent buildings.

County Sheriff Shannon Smith told The Oklahoman it’s standard practice for truckers to use a propane torch to heat frozen truck valves.

The tanker was used to haul salt water and crude oil.

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Tags: explosion, propane torch, trucker killed

3 Responses to “Trucker killed in explosion; used torch to thaw valve”

Tom H Says:
February 2nd, 2010 at 10:45 am
What was in the valve that made that much combustion? Air valves on the brake system have air not LPG. A tank relief valve for a truck hauling crude oil or salt water should not be explosive. What caused the blast? NOT enough info in this story.
PADUKE Says:
February 10th, 2010 at 12:27 pm
I imagine it was hydrogensulfide gas that caused the explosion. This gas is prevelant in certain lighter crude oils.
Rich F Says:
May 27th, 2010 at 6:46 pm
Many trucks will have ‘Air Brake Anti-Freeze’ in their air lines during the winter. Many truckers refer to it as simply alcohol as it is basically methanol.