State Records Show A Dozen Explosions, 2 Fatal Blasts Since Firestone Explosion

AP

A Denver Post review of state records shows at least a dozen explosions have occurred in oil and gas industry facilities in Colorado since an explosion killed two men in April.

The newspaper reports that two people were killed in the explosions since the deadly blast in a neighborhood in Firestone in April.

The state hasn't taken enforcement action in the Firestone deaths, citing the lack of rules covering fatal accidents in the oil and gas industry. State regulators have proposed changes to some existing rules in response to those deaths, but the proposals do not deal with fatalities.

Officials with the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission say the agency does not have authority to impose penalties for fatal explosions. Lawmakers created the commission to ensure industry operations are consistent with environmental protection and public safety standards.