Explosion reported at North Dakota oil field, chemical fire in Ohio - AP

Quantum Commodity Intelligence - An explosion and fire at an oil field in western North Dakota resulted in one person being severely burned, according to a statement from the Williston Fire Department, as cited by the Associated Press.

The explosion occurred at around 2230 on Friday at a saltwater disposal site located north of Alexander on U.S. 65 in McKenzie County.

The cause of the explosion and fire is still under investigation. However, preliminary reports suggest that several tanks exploded. The victim was taken to a centre for treatment of severe burns. The fire was put out at around 0115 on Saturday.

Preliminary reports indicated several tanks exploded. The cause of the explosion and fire remains under investigation, the fire department said.

Ohio

In another US incident last week, five derailed tanker cars, which were at risk of exploding, released toxic chemicals, causing a local evacuation of residents near the Ohio-Pennsylvania border, according to the Associated Press.

Social media footage showed huge flames and toxic smoke after a "slow release" of vinyl chloride from the rail cars was ignited.

Officials warned that the controlled burn would release phosgene and hydrogen chloride into the air. Phosgene is a highly toxic gas that can cause vomiting and breathing problems and was used as a weapon in World War I.

Scott Deutsch of Norfolk Southern Railway stated that the controlled daytime explosion was necessary to allow the fumes to dissipate quickly and prevent the rail cars from exploding and sending shrapnel and debris into the surrounding neighbourhood.