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PITTSBURG COUNTY, Okla. – Officials say five people are unaccounted for after a drilling rig explosion in Pittsburg County.

Around 9 a.m., the Pittsburg County Sheriff’s Department says they were called to an explosion at an oil rig near Quinton.

About 22 people were working on the rig when the explosion occurred, officials told KJRH.

Five of those people remain unaccounted for.

Oil rig explosion in Quinton. (Photo Courtesy: Zayne Erickson)

Multiple ambulances and three medical helicopters responded to the scene. However, it is unclear how many people were injured during the explosion.

Part of the rig collapsed in the explosion.

Officials say the fire continues to burn, but it appears to be contained.

  • Oil rig explosion in Quinton
  • Oil rig explosion in Quinton
  • Oil rig explosion in Quinton
  • Oil rig explosion in Quinton
  • Oil rig explosion in Quinton
  • Oil rig explosion in Quinton
  • Oil rig explosion in Quinton

The Oklahoma Corporation Commission confirmed to KJRH that “Red Mountain Energy LLC” out of OKC is the operator at this site.

The company says it was a drilling rig, but they are not sure exactly what it was drilling for.

Officials say the rig drills for natural gas and oil.

Oklahoma Emergency Management officials say they have contacted the Department of Environmental Quality and the Corporation Commission.