Officials Investigating Oil Tank Explosion

LINDALE — Smith County and state officials are investigating an oil tank explosion that sent two men to Parkland Hospital in Dallas. According to a county news release, the blast happened on County Road 419 at about 10:30 p.m. Thursday. Deputy Fire Marshal Trey Glover was first on the scene and discovered an oil tank on fire. Glover also located two men with severe burns sitting inside their vehicle. Jeremy Hernandez, 30, and Aaron Archie, 25, both of Smith County, were airlifted to Parkland. Fire Marshal Connie McCoy-Wasson says officials talked with a family member and learned the two were listed in critical but stable condition. Lindale, Dixie, and Van Volunteer Fire Departments responded to the scene. The oil tank is owned by D-S-B Properties LLC. The county Fire Marshal’s Office and Sheriff’s Office are collaborating with the Railroad Commission of Texas in the investigation.