Pat Kiker, Norman, Okla., was killed instantly when a pocket of butane gas exploded at about 2:00 p.m. Tuesday afternoon. The gas had apparently accumulated in a low spot and became ignited in an unknown manner, possibly from a lighted cigarette. Mr. Kiker was the owner and operator of the independent drilling rig he and his crew were operating on the R. E. Parcel site three miles south and four miles east of Coldwater. He is survived by his wife who is apparently enrolled at O. U. in Bookkeeping and Accounting. they have two sons, 14 and 11 years of age.

With Mr. Kiker at the time of the explosion, but a few feet away, were Brenton L. Cheek, Oklahoma City, who is 22 and unmarried. He was blown over a part of the mechanism of the rig into a part which was still running. Mr. Cheek was brought to the Comanche County Hospital where he underwent surgery on a toe of his left foot. He also received multiple cuts and bruises particularly to his left eye and left elbow.

Coy Robinson who was standing a little further away at the time, was given emergency treatment at the hospital and was released. Mr. Robinson is from Holdenville, Okla.

Mr. Kiker's body was taken to Norman on Wednesday morning.

Funeral arrangements are not known at this time. It is reported by a member of the drilling crew that there were no plans to continue drilling at this site.

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Thanks to Shirley Brier for finding, transcribing and contributing the above news article to this web site!

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