Worker hospitalized overnight after explosion at oil field facility in northwestern ND

Authorities investigate blast at ND oilfield

LIGNITE, N.D. — Burke County Sheriff Barry Jager says authorities are investigating the cause of an explosion at a Bear Paw Energy facility just east of Lignite.

Jager said in a statement that the blast occurred about 8 p.m. Wednesday. He said a worker was kept overnight at a Crosby hospital for observation and released Thursday.

Jager did not give details about the facility where the explosion occurred and he was not available for comment Thursday. He said in his statement that a damage estimate was not available.

Company spokeswoman Megan Washbourne did not immediately return calls for comment Thursday.