On June 25, 1985, an explosion occurred at an Aerlex Fireworks plant in Hallett, Oklahoma, killing twenty-one and injuring five others.
While unloading the mixture, it is believed the metal-on-metal friction of the container and pickup bed generated a spark that touched off the initial explosion.
Several of the plant's employees were thrown considerable distances and some were found in a pond located south of the loading dock area.
The detonations were heard as far away as Oklahoma City and Tulsa and after the explosion, a large mushroom cloud was visible over the site.
However, both men were killed in the primary explosion and five survivors could not add anything to either support or refute the fire marshal's conclusions.