Garbage collectors escape the disaster while the oxygen tank explodes in the garbage truck

Whitehall, Ohio (WSYX) – Local waste employees avoided a dangerous situation on Wednesday when an oxygen tank exploded in the back of a sanitation truck while throwing garbage on it.

“Super lucky,” said Ryan Jensen, with local waste services, “a couple of inches would have been serious injuries or fatality.”

Whitehall Police said the explosion was so strong that it triggered the city notification system.

“It seems that a bomb shot,” Aj Strickler said, “it was chaos, there was garbage everywhere.”

The tank was discovered illegally in a garbage can in the 4000 block of Elbern Avenue. Watch the video below:

“Definitely illegal, and definitely dangerous,” said Whitehall Police lieutenant Tanner Williams.

“This is something that we definitely want not only to the person who did this, but also all the members of our community to take into account,” said Williams, “there is something that is allowed to throw, other things that are not allowed throw your garbage.

The authorities urge residents to be attentive to adequate management and elimination of hazardous and explosive materials, which can often be found in everyday articles.

For more information, click TThe solid waste authority of the Ohio Center website.

The Whitehall Police Department is looking for information about the incident.

Anyone is encouraged with details to communicate with WPD at 614-237-6333.