Explosion in Flora injures six, two airlifted in serious condition

An oil tank explosion occurred in Flora on Friday, causing several to be transported for medical treatment.

According to a report by The Clarion Ledger, the initial call came shortly before 8 a.m. A fiberglass oil tank containing approximately 33,000 gallons exploded at an oil well storage facility located on Virila Road in Flora.

Six were reported to have been injured in the blast. Four were transported by ambulance and two were airlifted with serious injuries.

“They had changed out two tanks and replaced them with new fiberglass tanks and one of the tanks this morning … had blown up and is no longer here,” Minor Norman Madison County fire coordinator told the Clarion Ledger.

Flora first responders, Madison County, Gluckstadt, Kearney Park and the City of Madison all quickly responded to the scene.

Norman stated the area was under control shortly after 9 a.m.