Strong Winds Damage Natural Gas Plant in Coal County

SEATTLE (Oil Monster): Strong winds damaged the Panther Creek natural gas processing plant Saturday morning around 11:40.

The plant is owned by Tall Oak Midstream and sits a few miles north of Coalgate.

Tall Oak said three contractor employees had minor injuries from debris.

One person was transported to the hospital and released a short time later.

Berney Blue, Coal County emergency management director, said other damages include many car windows being busted, shipping containers being overturned and a paint shop taking damage.

Blue said a transformer was also damaged.

Everyone at the plant was evacuated and the plant was locked down.

Trees on the north side of the plant were blown down and a nearby barn also had damage to the roof.

Tall Oak said the plant is under construction and not operational right now.

Blue said there are certain areas in the county that see more storm activity and damage than others.

The plant happens to be in one of these areas.

Blue said his emergency management office is working with the National Weather Service to determine if the wind was actually a tornado. 

Courtesy: www.kxii.com