[OXENinFLA]

Why do parents not explain to their kids, it's not a good idea to play around a construction site? Especially on top of a petroleum tank.

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[EggsAckley]

Posted on Sat, Apr. 12, 2003

Petroleum Tank Blast in Texas Kills Four
Associated Press

PALESTINE, Texas - A petroleum tank exploded as five teenagers were standing on top of it, killing four, authorities said.

Three of the teens were pronounced dead Friday night at the scene of the explosion in the Long Lake area, about 10 miles west of Palestine in eastern Texas.

A fourth died Saturday afternoon at a hospital where she was airlifted following the blast, which occurred about 10 p.m. Friday. A fifth was treated for minor injuries and released.

Authorities said the blast threw some of the teens between 50 and 75 yards away, police said. The tank, owned by Key Production Company Inc., had about 6 inches to a foot of oil in the bottom.

Investigators were trying to determine what ignited the blast.

A witness said he saw flames shoot up about 100 feet in the air. Vernel Smith, who lives about a mile from the scene, said she felt her house shake.

"It rocked my house from front to back," Smith said. "I thought my water heater had exploded or something."

Lt. Chuck Franklin said the teenagers were camping at a cabin with their grandfather Friday night, and at some point went for a walk and ended up at the tank.

Killed instantly in explosion were Justin Rober, 15, Pless Kropp, 14 and Jessica Ross, 15; Amanda Ross, 14, was pronounced dead Saturday. All were from Mount Enterprise.

[Larry Lucido]

Man, I don't think Palestine, Texas, has ever gotten as much national news as it has this year. Prayers for the vicitms and their families.

[Izzy Dunne]

A petroleum tank exploded as five teenagers were standing on top of it

Somehow I don't think they were just standing on it.

[_Jim]

"TWA800 effect"

[Pern]

Investigators were trying to determine what ignited the blast.

My guess would be a cigarette or a joint. My dad works for a petroleum co. here in La. Those huge tanks are built tough, no way they could have punched a hole in it, even with a rifle. There must have been a leak at the vent fitting on top.

[TheRedSoxWinThePennant]

I guess building a campfire on top of a propane tank is not a good idea

[thedugal]

Space Shuttle goes down at Palestine TX, then PFC Lynch is rescued (hometown Palestine WV) and Bush/Blair announce commitment to new state Palestine. Uh, I think it's time to call Art Bell.

[Bigg Red]

Why do parents not explain to their kids, it's not a good idea to play around a construction site? Especially on top of a petroleum tank.

C'mon, were you not a little stupid at 14 or 15? I know I was. And how often is a parent in the situation of saying, "Now, son, if you come across a petroleum tank today, don't stand on it"?

I think it's very sad and I pray for their families. The article says the kids were camping with their grandfather, so possibly they are all cousins from the same family.

[Paulus Invictus]

Those poor kids may have read too much Stephen King and did a Trashcan Man act that went wrong.

[demosthenes the elder]

not wanting to bet, just a little suspicious...
the coincidence of factA (the tank exploded) and factB (the kids were atop it) plus the general factC (that oil tanks do not explode spontaneously on a regular basis) and general factD (14-15 year olds are prone to commit stupid actions) suggests that one or more of these kids triggered the explosion.
This is probably a case for the Darwin Awards.

[klute]

Very sad. I can just see the headlines when this hits the New York Times.

Four Palestinians Killed by Big Oil Company

[Sloth]

Look for the tank owner to be sued.

[RichardW]

I live in Palestine. This is real sad. These were just some young kids who couldn't resist going where they shouldn't.

[MeekOneGOP]

How awful. I have an aunt and uncle that live not far from Palestine.

[Junior]

I bet you it was some sort of jackass stunt gone bad.