One of those events which defines a community occurred in Kingman during the summer of 1973. A tanker was transferring propane to several tanks. This was at the Doxol Gas Western Energy Company. The rail tanker was on a spur of the rail road and the propane was being transported to storage tanks 75 yards away. One of the valves was leaking. A wrench was used to attempt to close the valve, but this created a spark which ignited the propane and it burned like a blow torch. Two rail workers were injured, and one would die. The second, although injured, would cross the street and make it to the highway patrol office and report the fire. The fire department was summoned. At that time Kingman had a volunteer fire department. They lack equipment to put the fire out, but were trying to keep the tanker cool by spraying water. Their efforts failed and the propane tank exploded. This created a blast which enveloped the firemen. Eleven firemen passed away, one train worker and one police officer. Not only that but spectators had formed along the route 66 on the other side of the highway. Flaming debris rained on the spectators. The original tank car landed a quarter mile away. Mohave General received 107 injured people. The worse cases were sent by plane or helicopter to Phoenix and Las Vegas. The fact that the newly constructed high school was named Lee Williams attests that this event still forms part of the local psychic. Lee Williams was principal at Kingman High School and also a volunteer fireman who perished that day.
Area Historic Points of Interest has a very good article with links to the memorial site and stories of the firemen who passed away.
The Welcome to Kingman article includes some very good photos.
There is a video of pictures on Facebook Promote Kingman.
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| warped metal plate at Memorial Park |
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