Victim Identified in Fatal Well Accident

The Noble County Sheriff’s Office releases more information into a fatal oil well accident. 

Sheriff Steve Hannum said that 48-year-old Norman Butler of Newport News, Virginia was killed when an explosion occurred at the well head, Wednesday. 

The sheriff said the accident took place in northwest Marion Township, not east Marion Township as he originally reported. 

A small but dangerous fire continues to burn at the accident site. 

Overnight Belle Valley Volunteer Fire Department, Sheriff’s Deputies, United Ambulance, Noble County EMA, State Fire Marshal’s Office d Blue Racer Company personnel monitored the scene. 

Hannum asks for a no fly zone in the immediate area of the fire. 

The accident remains under investigation as responders work to determine the cause of the explosion. No other injuries were reported.