Oklahoma oil field worker dies after inhaling fumes, collapsing inside tank

MCCLAIN COUNTY, OK — OSHA is investigating a workplace incident that took place last month at an oil field site near Wayne that ultimately claimed the life of a 30-year-old man, according to WAFB.

At about 5:15 p.m. on Wednesday, September 20, McClain County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the work site, reported by FOX 25 to be in the area of 170th Street and Gallamore Avenue.

Authorities learned that Darrell Newton, a Paul’s Valley resident and an employee of C&M Roustabout Company, based in the town, was working on installing a tank gauge. An investigation found that he entered the tank to reinforce its backside as another worker tightened it. At one point, Newton lost consciousness from inhaling the fumes and collapsed into about 12-18 inches of crude oil at the bottom of the tank.

A number of other employees removed Newton from the tank and began CPR before first responders arrived.

Despite their life-saving measures, Newton was later pronounced deceased after being rushed to a Purcell hospital.

Neither C&M Roustabout Company nor Charter Oak Production, the company that owns the site, has released a statement about the incident or the worker’s death.

An investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) remains open and ongoing.

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