WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ohio (WTRF) - Multiple fire departments responded to an explosion of an orphan well south of New Matamoras.

Reno Volunteer Fire Chief John Bradford tells 7News the call came in around 11:51 a.m. Monday as an explosion on a well pad.

“Upon arrival there were six people injured, five in critical condition,” Bradford said. “All 6 were transported to Marietta Memorial Hospital and then life-flighted from there.”

Upon working the scene, it was discovered contractors were working on plugging an abandoned orphan well when the explosion happened.

Ohio Division of Natural Resources were on scene. ODNR Press Secretary Karina Cheung provided the following statement:

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Oil and Gas Resources Management has sent an Emergency Resp

See Full Page