Watch CBS News

Colorado fracking accident kills 1, seriously injures 2

GREELEY, Colo. - One worker is dead and two others have been seriously injured following a fracking accident at an oil or gas well site in northern Colorado.

The Greeley Tribune reports the three men were trying to heat a frozen high-pressure water line when something went wrong and the line ruptured Thursday.

Weld County sheriff's Sgt. Sean Standridge says one man was hit by a stream of water or fracking fluid and died from the impact. The accident happened near Mead, about 35 miles north of Denver, on the fourth straight day of frigid weather in the region.

The men were working for Halliburton, which Anadarko Petroleum Corp. contracted to perform fracking operations at the well.

In a statement, Andarko said: "This tragic accident, associated injuries and contractor's loss of life has left us all shaken and heartbroken. We have suspended all completions activities in the area and will cooperate fully with the authorities in their review."

A Halliburton spokeswoman says the injured men were flown to nearby hospitals.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.