Aerlex Fireworks plant explosion

On June 25, 1985, an explosion occurred at an Aerlex Fireworks plant in Hallett, Oklahoma, killing twenty-one and injuring over 5.[1] The explosion leveled most of the plant, only leaving a few parts of the factory standing.[2]

At 9:40 a.m., the explosion occurred, in which the force of the blast caused workers to be hurled. It created a giant cloud of smoke able to be seen from miles.[3] The explosion was part of a chain-reaction which affected other firework factories, including an explosion in Ohio that occurred only 36 days prior.[4] It was the deadliest disaster in Oklahoma during the 1980s.

There was no determined cause for the explosion, but others had determined possible causes for it. State Fire Marshal Fred Rucker made an investigation and said the blast may have been caused by a fire in a pickup truck, stating "The initial blast appeared to have been in a smaller building near where the burned-out shell of the truck was found." Investigators made focus on two workers who were careless while unloading barrels of fireworks ingredients from the supposed truck.[3]

Of the 26 workers who were present at the factory, 21 died in the explosion, and up to 5 were injured, including factory owner Richard Alan Johnson and Jeff Fountain, mayor of Jennings, Oklahoma, who was critically injured with severe burns to his body.[5]

Governor George Nigh released a statement, stating "all Oklahoma is grieved by this tragedy," later ordering state flags flown at half-staff through June 30. Nigh also ordered members of the National Guard to assist officials at the site.[4]