One person was taken to a hospital after a fuel tank ruptured during work inside a trucking company garage on Tuesday morning, prompting an emergency response and investigation.
The Emporia Fire Department later classified the incident at Redline Trucking as an accident. Authorities said a diesel fuel saddle tank apparently became overpressurized and ruptured while work was being performed on it.
Emergency crews initially received reports of an explosion shortly after 9:15 a.m. and were directed to the Redline Trucking property on Bellaire Drive. Firefighters were then advised to respond to the company’s shop on nearby Sutton Place.
Emergency Crews Find Ruptured Fuel Tank
When firefighters reached the shop, they discovered that a saddle tank used to hold diesel fuel on a semi-truck had ruptured.
Fire officials said there was no active fire or smoke when emergency personnel arrived. Less than five gallons of diesel were reportedly found on the shop floor.
Despite the limited amount of spilled fuel, one person standing near the tank suffered injuries during the rupture.
The individual was transported to Newman Regional Health for possible treatment and observation. Authorities have not released the person’s name, the exact nature of the injuries or an updated medical condition.
Injured Person Reportedly Suffered Significant Trauma
Early reports from the scene indicated that the injured person had sustained significant trauma.
Emergency responders initially considered transporting the patient by air to another medical facility. However, those plans were reportedly abandoned because storms in the area prevented an air ambulance from operating safely.
It remains unclear whether the patient was later transferred to another hospital by ground ambulance.
Officials have not confirmed whether the injured person was an employee, contractor or visitor at the trucking business.
Work Was Underway on Semi-Truck Tank
Preliminary information suggested that someone had been working on the diesel fuel tank inside the garage when it became overpressurized.
Investigators have not explained what caused the pressure to build or what type of work was taking place immediately before the rupture.
Fire Marshal Steven Beemer said the incident was determined to be accidental following an initial review. The Fire Marshal’s Office continued examining the circumstances surrounding the tank failure.
Authorities have not announced whether any safety violations, mechanical defects or equipment failures contributed to the incident.
No Fire or Major Structural Damage Reported
Although emergency dispatch information originally described the event as an explosion, crews found no ongoing fire at the property.
Officials also reported no immediate evidence of major structural damage to the garage. A refrigerated trailer located nearby was not known to have sustained damage.
The relatively small diesel spill was contained inside the shop, reducing the risk of a larger hazardous-material incident.
Police also responded to the property while firefighters secured the area and assessed the injured person.
Investigation Continues
The Fire Marshal’s Office is expected to review the equipment involved, interview witnesses and determine how the tank became overpressurized.
Additional information could be released if investigators identify a mechanical problem or workplace condition that contributed to the rupture.
The fuel tank rupture at Redline Trucking was classified as an accident after sending one person to the hospital.
While no fire or substantial property damage was reported, questions remain about the cause of the overpressure and the injured person’s condition. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the workplace incident.