SAND SPRINGS — An explosion in Sand Springs that killed two people has resulted in the arrest of a 35-year-old Tulsa man on two counts of first-degree murder, but state investigators stressed Monday that the investigation remains active and the cause of the explosion has not been determined. According to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, the Tulsa County District Attorney’s Office filed a felony arrest warrant for Ryan Bassham on two counts of first-degree murder. Bassham turned himself in to the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office Aug. 30 and was booked into the Tulsa County Jail.
Despite the arrest, OSBI Public Information Officer Hunter McKee cautioned against drawing conclusions about what caused the explosion while investigators continue processing evidence collected at the scene.
“There’s been a lot of rumors and stuff thrown out there, like what caused the explosion and all that,” McKee said. “We still don’t have that yet. We’re still working through that.”
McKee emphasized that Bassham’s arrest marks a significant development in the case, but does not mean investigators have completed their work or reached a final determination about the explosion itself.
The investigation involves the OSBI, Sand Springs Police Department, Sand Springs Fire Marshal, Oklahoma State Fire Marshal, Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Tulsa County District Attorney’s Office and Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, among other agencies.
McKee said the nature of an explosion scene makes the investigative process particularly timeconsuming.
“The evidence with an explosion,” he said. “It’s going to take time.”
Investigators continue to ask anyone who was in the area or who may have information relevant to the case to contact the OSBI tip line at tips@osbi.ok.gov or 1-800-522-8017.
Initial Impact
The explosion took the lives of two people and temporarily closed portions of the city’s Morrow Road and Morrow-Gill business district. It occurred at a local business at 411 South Lincoln Avenue. Sand Springs Police officers responded to the reported explosion and found the business severely damaged. According to local police reports, officers responded to the area at approximately 1:13 a.m. on Aug. 27 to assist the fire department.
While processing the scene, officers located one individual deceased and another person suffering from injuries. The injured adult male was transported to a local hospital, where he later died, according to a release from OSBI. The person found deceased at the scene was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for positive identification. No other injuries were reported.
At first, businesses along Morrow Road between Main Street and Adams Road were closed while authorities assessed the scene and determined when the area could safely reopen.
In an initial announcement on Aug. 27, the Sand Springs Police Department asked business owners in the affected area to contact dispatch with their contact information so they could be notified when authorities were ready to allow businesses to be checked for damage and safety. Officials later reported that businesses east of the Morrow-Gill business district, beginning with Green Country Federal Credit Union, could be accessed only from the east. By Aug. 28, Morrow Road had reopened to traffic, according to Sand Springs police notifications. However, the Morrow-Gill business district remained closed to property owners and tenants until authorities determined it was safe to enter.
On Aug. 28, Sand Springs Emergency Management officials had said that based on the current assessment, the city did not appear to meet state and federal guidelines for financial assistance. Property owners were encouraged to report damage so officials can better understand the scope of the incident. The Sand Springs Emergency Management office established an email addressforpropertyowners to report damage resulting from the explosion. Damage information can be submitted to damage@sandspringsok.gov.
On Aug. 28, Sand Springs Fire Department Administrative Assistant Robin White said that the investigation remained ongoing.
On Sunday, Sand Springs Fire Chief Jeremy Wade released a statement, saying, “In the midst of tragedy, it wouldn't be right if I didn't mention the brave men I have the privilege of working for. No doubt an aggressive offensive attack on this fire prevented much more loss. Well-placed apparatus, along with aerial ladder pipe in the air, large hose lines, blitz fires, and other well-placed hose lines knocked this fire out quickly.
“I just want to make sure, in all the other newsworthy things, that the story of SSFDandthemenIproudly work for gets told. I cannot finish without thanking the Tulsa Fire Department and their efforts to help with the firefighting and search/ rescue efforts; our own SSPD keeping the scene safe and secure; the men and women of Mercy EMS, their efforts with patient care, their resilience to keep caring for the citizens of Sand Springs even after their building was damaged; the citizens of Sand Springs who are always supportive of this great city.
“I don't want any of this to trump the fact that two lives were lost and their families affected. Please also remember the small business owners, whose livelihoods were greatly affected. God bless the SSFD, our community, and prayers for all.”
Continued Impact Sand Springs Chamber President Amanda Wion said the organization is seeking help from the local business community in finding a temporary home for the Mercy Regional EMS team since the explosion caused the team to temporarily relocate to Sand Springs’ two fire stations while determining its next steps and searching for another location.
Wion noted an ideal location would provide space for EMS personnel to sleep and rest between calls, eat, conduct daily operations, and store equipment and supplies.
“It does not have to be a perfect or permanent solution. If you have a space you think could possibly work, we encourage you to reach out and let their team determine if it can meet their needs,” said Wion.
Those with a potentially suitable property can contact Brian Cook with Mercy Regional EMS at 918-261-6279 or bcook@mercy-regional.com.
Wion also encouraged businesses and community members affected by the explosion to contact the Chamber for help.
“We may not have all the answers, but we can help connect you with the appropriate City, community, or other resources as needs arise,” she said.
The OSBI thanked a wide range of agencies in their assistance with the investigation. As investigators continue processing the scene and reviewing evidence, authorities are asking anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact the OSBI.
McKee said future updates will be released through the OSBI as information becomes available, although he could not provide a timeline for the next update.
While the charges against Bassham are accusations and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law he is currently facing two counts of murder in the first degree in the commission of a crime with a $1-million bond amount per count.