Pittsburg County officials confirmed on Tuesday morning what many in Logan County had feared on Monday following a drilling rig explosion in southeast Oklahoma. One of the five workers who is unaccounted for is from Crescent.
The drilling rig explosion occurred west of Quinton Monday morning, creating fires that burned for hours before finally being put out around 8 p.m.
Officials identified Crescent resident Parker Waldridge as one of the five missing.
Family members and friends shared their prayers and concerns on social media posts on Monday.
The four others were identified as Josh Ray, 35, of Fort Worth, Texas; Matt Smith, 29, of McAlester, Oklahoma; Cody Risk, 26, Wellington, Colorado and Roger Cunningham, of Seminole, Oklahoma.
Andy Hendricks, Patterson UTI Energy CEO, said the families of the workers have been contacted.
Recovery efforts continued on Tuesday morning to find the missing men.
“Five people were tragically lost in this event. We are currently providing support for the families and we are meeting with them to extend our deepest sympathies in this tragedy,” Hendricks said.
The five were reportedly in an operating room on top of the oil derrick when the explosion occurred.
Authorities say 17 people were able to escape the blast without major injuries.
It is unknown at the time what caused the explosion and remains under investigation.
Praying for all involved RIP Parker