THC extraction company allegedly ignored fire marshal warning before ‘massive explosion’ killed 2 people – owner charged with murder – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: nvmwebsites-budwg5g9avh3epea.z03.azurefd.net)
Sand Springs, Oklahoma – The owner of a THC extraction company faces two counts of first-degree murder after a massive explosion at his facility killed two men, authorities said. Ryan Bassham had been ordered to halt operations the previous week following a failed fire inspection, yet the business continued using highly flammable gases. The blast occurred around 1 a.m. at 421 S. Lincoln Ave. and was felt up to 30 miles away.
The Blast and Emergency Response
Firefighters from the Sand Springs Fire Department arrived to find heavy flames erupting from the industrial building. One victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Paramedics transported the second man to a hospital, where he later died. ([1])
The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation took the lead on the probe into the chemically related explosion. Officials confirmed the facility belonged to Solos Extract Co., which used butane or propane to extract THC. One employee had been living inside the building at the time of the incident.
Ignored Safety Order Preceded Tragedy
The fire marshal had directed the company to cease all work after inspectors identified serious discrepancies during a recent check. Sand Springs Deputy Police Chief Todd Enzbrenner stated that the order remained in effect because the problems had not been corrected. The business continued operating anyway…