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Scranton Man Killed In Oklahoma Oil Rig Explosion

A Scranton man was one of two killed early Friday morning (Dec. 19) in a drilling rig fire in Coal County, Oklahoma, according to a family member.

COAL COUNTY, Oklahoma - A Scranton man was one of two killed early Friday morning (Dec. 19) in a drilling rig fire in Coal County, Oklahoma, according to a family member. 

The state Medical Examiner's office identified the dead as 26-year-old Gary Keenan and 27-year-old Kelsey Bellah.

A family member tells 5NEWS Gary Keenan was living in Oklahoma with his brother, but is from Scranton. Keenan's brother, Dewayne Keenan, was also working on the rig. He suffered third degree burns and will undergo surgery at a Tulsa hospital Monday, according to a family member.

Gary Keenan's brother-in-law said Dewayne Keenan suffered the burns while trying to save his brother and other crew members on the rig. 

CBS affiliate KWTV in Oklahoma City reported that the explosion occurred at a drilling rig about two miles west of Coalgate. The area is 100 miles southeast of Oklahoma City.

KWTV reported the rig was owned by Pablo Energy of nearby Atoka and said the state fire marshal and the state Corporation Commission were investigating.

Authorities said two others were hurt.

Keenan's family said the brothers were very close and lived together in Ada, Oklahoma. Funeral arrangements for Gary Keenan will be held Friday December 26, 2014 at Roller funeral home in Paris.​

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