Investigators say an accumulation of gases appears to have caused the explosion that destroyed the Rosebud water tower and sent a Wheatland County employee to hospital by Strathmore Standard, January 27, 2005
Tracy Gooler, Wheatland County constable and manager of protective services, said that the county’s water operator, John Garvin, was endeavoring to thaw out an inlet supply line, to the portable water reservoir in Rosebud, with a propane tiger torch at about 2:30 p.m. “He had done his checks,” Gooler said, adding that when the match was struck to light the torch, an explosion occurred. … Gooler said the operator was unable to detect the gases by smell and did not use a detection device. Garvin sustained non-life threatening, but fairly substantial injuries, including two broken wrists and some burns to the face and hands. … Alberta Environment and Occupational Health and Safety are working with the county to ensure standards are met and continue investigation into the mishap.