Man uninjured in tank explosion at iron works

The back of Michael Smiths truck after a CNG cylinder exploded in the bed of the truck. Smith was in the cab when the blast occurred but was uninjured.

By Beverly Bryant/News Director

Michael Scott Smith, a self-employed metal scrapper, escaped injury Thursday morning at Ponca Iron and Metal at 200 East Oakland.

Smith had taken a pickup load of scrap metal, including a gas cylinder, to the yard to recycle. He was taking the valve off the gas cyleinder when it exploded, breaking out the glass in the back of Smith’s pickup cab and damaging the frame. He walked away without a scratch.

He said he thought the cylinder was empty. It was labeled CNG only, not to be used after 2014.

Emergency crews that responded included Ponca City EMS and Fire Department and the Kay County Sheriff’s Office.

Michael Smith and the cylinder that exploded in his truck bed.