A tank battery fire near FM 1788 sent two people to the hospital Friday afternoon.
Midland Fire Department responded to the call regarding a tank battery fire near FM 1788 and Loop 40 at approximately 1:53 p.m. on Friday. Two male victims were transported to Midland Memorial Hospital, one in critical condition with severe burns and the other with non-life-threatening injuries.
Seven fire units responded from MFD with assistance from the Northeast Midland County Volunteer Fire Department. The fire was dissipating due to lack of fuel as crews arrived on scene, and firefighters were able to quickly extinguish remaining spot fires.
The investigation into the fire has so far revealed that a work crew was changing a valve at the tank battery and relieving pressure from the heater treater when a sudden ignition occurred. The victim who was transported in critical condition was said to have caught on fire during the incident.
The cause of the ignition and other factors are currently under investigation by the Midland County Fire Marshal's Office.
###Media Contact: Public Information Officer Sara Higgins