Man injured following explosion at north Tulsa home

TULSA, Okla. — The Tulsa Fire Department (TFD) said a man was injured in a house fire and explosion on north Phoenix Avenue.

Fire Captain Jacob McDaniel said police officers were the first to respond after hearing a loud boom and seeing a plume of smoke.

“There does appear to have been an explosion in that back room, in the living room area,” said Captain McDaniel.

A neighbor, Randy Burks, said he saw smoke coming out of the house and went to call the fire department.

“By the time I could get to my phone, I heard a loud explosion. It scared me because I knew this homeless guy, he always be in there and things. So, I said, ‘Oh man, that guy done blew himself up,’” said Burks.

Captain McDaniel said firefighters beat down flames that had engulfed the entire living room area.

That’s where they found the victim.

“They were in cardiac arrest when we extricated the victim,” said Captain McDaniel.

TFD said the victim was transported to the hospital by EMSA but couldn’t give any information about their condition.

Burks saw firefighters pull the man from the house and start working to save his life.

“I hope he makes it. I hope he’s ok. You know, it’s getting cold and things, and I could understand people trying to stay warm,” said Burks.

Captain McDaniel said they’re still investigating the cause of the explosion and fire.