2 workers dead after explosion at Kerr Dam

MAYES COUNTY, Okla. — The Grand River Dam Authority confirms two people were killed after an explosion at the Robert S. Kerr Reservoir Dam in Mayes County.

In a statement, Executive Vice President of GRDA John Wiscaver said the explosion happened just before 6 p.m. Thursday when three contractors were conducting routine core sampling checks in a shaft.

Wiscaver released the following statement Friday morning:

“Recovery crews were able to recover the bodies of two men who had been trapped inside Kerr Dam since an explosion occurred at approximately 6 PM Thursday. Both men are deceased. Both men were contractors. No GRDA employees were involved in the incident. A full investigation into the incident is underway. There are no other details related to the incident at this time. GRDA appreciates the assistance it received from area emergency response and fire departments, including Tulsa FD’s Technical Rescue team and Claremore FD’s HazMat team, who helped with recovery. Updates will be provided as more details are available.”

The GRDA said one person was able to get out of the area after the explosion and refused treatment.

The GRDA did confirm that the dam is stable.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Cox Media Group