MAY 20, 2015
KARNES CITY, TEXAS
A South Texas oil well exploded, spewing toxic hydrogen
sulfide gas that forced the evacuation of several nearby homes.
The Karnes County Sheriff’s Office says The explosion
happened Tuesday afternoon off Farm Road 792 about four miles east of Karnes
City. Sheriff Dwayne Villanueva said the well pump that exploded was shut off
but hydrogen sulfide gas still escaped.
A statement from the well owner, Encana Corp., said no
injuries were reported from the 3:30 p.m. incident.
Hydrogen sulfide is a flammable, colorless gas that smells
like rotten eggs. At high levels, exposure can be lethal.