Fatality occurs at gas drilling rig

By C.J. Marshall (STAFF WRITER)
Published: March 12, 2010

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Photo: N/A, License: N/A, Created: 2010:03:11 19:05:41

Review Photo/C.J. Marshall The Nomac gas drilling rig located on Old Plank Road and Fairview Lane was the scene of a work-related fatality on Thursday. It was reported that a worker fell to his death, according to information provided by Chesapeake Energy.

Photo: N/A, License: N/A, Created: 2010:03:11 19:16:35

Review Photo/C.J. Marshall An emergency worker monitors activity Thursday at the intersection of Old Plank Road and Fairview Lane in Towanda Township following a report of the death of a worker on a nearby gas drilling rig.

TOWANDA TWP. - An worker at an area gas drilling rig was reported killed on the job on Thursday evening.

Greg Allen Henry, 31, of Athens, Tenn., fell from a height of about 20 feet off a natural gas drilling rig owned by Nomac Drilling Inc., according to state police.

"The victim was apparently attempting to dislodge a handrail while the drilling unit was being moved to another drilling hole site on the drilling pad when the handrail gave way and in doing so, he slipped and fell approximately 20 feet. The victim suffered a severe head injury," police stated in a press release.

According to information provided by Brian Grove, director of corporate development for the Chesapeake Energy Corporation, Nomac Drilling, a subsidiary of Chesapeake, reported the fatality of an employee working on a Nomac rig in Towanda Township. Preliminary information indicated the fatality occurred because of a fall, according to the information provided by Grove.

The rig is located near Old Plank Road and Fairview Lane. Faye Lubold, whose residence overlooks the well drilling site, said she noticed an ambulance and emergency crews heading into the area when she got home earlier in the day.

The Bradford County Coroner was observed entering the site around 6:30 p.m.

Grove had said the name of the employee wouldn't be released until the family was notified.

"We extend our deepest sympathies to them," Grove said.

A full investigation of this accident is already underway, according to Chesapeake's press release.

Attempts were made to contact the coroner, though he had not responded as of 10 p.m. Thursday.

C.J. Marshall can be reached at (570) 265-1630; e-mail: cjmarshall@thedailyreview.com.

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26 posted comments

our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of greg henry. i have been exposed to many of the gas drillers at my restaurant and i have experienced nothing but the utmost respect and friendly attitude of these hard working gentlemen. they are here trying to make a living for their families just as some of our husbands are who are local folks. i come from the city of brotherly love and i intend to extend this to all of our gas drillers. godspeed greg, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
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lisa brennan,  06/11/10 11:59
Greg was a member of my family I am so hurt by this tragic accident. I wish he wouldnt have been up there messing with that handrail if he hadnt he would still be here. I have alot of family that is employed in the oil field and they love it. I just hope that they make it safer for the family I have left in this business. I dont want to lose anymore of my loved ones. Greg may you rest in peace. You will always live on in my heart and never be forgotten by anyone that had the pleasure of knowing you. I love you so very much. And he was a loving father of 3 just to correct the one who said 2.
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Crystal Henry,  03/17/10 5:57
This man was my cousin....He was loved by so many people....And will live on in my heart forever.....He loved the oilfeild....As well as the rest of the men in my family do I just wish there was something else they loved to do as much but not as dangerous.....I dont think I can lose another member of my family to something like this......Greg you are a great man and left a mighty impact on everyones lives that you were a part of and you will live on in our hearts forever......
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Crystal Henry,  03/17/10 5:10
This is just the beginning of an industry that has come to our county.
Much sadness has taken place & we send our heartfelt prayers to the family & friends of this young man.
The men who have chooe to come to our county have been respectfull & deserve much thanks towards the independence we need for the whole of this country. Greg Allen Henry choose to come here & be part of history, the least we can do is honor him as one of OUR heros! May the Lord shine of you Greg.
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Sylvia,  03/17/10 8:21
Mr. Bates: Your comments do not speak well of your professionalism. The public has a right to comment on the actions of emergency responders, be they police, fire, or ems. The public deserves to be served not threatened with loss of service, which you have no authority to do in any case and could be a criminal act if you threatened and actually did refuse service.

Perhaps you should read the law and think more carefully before you speak. Emergency vehicles do not have carte blanche authority to do anything they please when responding. 75 PA.C.S.A. 3105 states that even marked emergency vehicles have to operate so as not to " endanger life or property". 75 PA.C.S.A. 102 defines private vehicles used as "emergency vehicles" only if they are operated by a Fire Chief or Asst. Chief (2nd or 3rd Asst. Chief if the company has 3 or more vehicles) and Fire Police Captains or Lieutenants. These are the only vehicles that can use a combination of red and blue lights (75 PA.C.S.A. 4571). Blue light vehicles used by anyone other than the previously stated officers are NOT considered emergency vehicles. Blue light users must also be registered with the State Police (75 PA.C.S.A. 4572).

In my career the overwhelming majority of fire, fire police and ems personnel were absolutely first rate, dedicated and caring people. They also understood they needed to get to the scene safely so they could deliver their skills. However there were always a few who were in it for the image or their ego. Never had a problem with writing those people up when they acted irresponsibly. Which group do you belong to Mr. Bates?

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RetiredPO,  03/16/10 10:07
This would be a good time to step back in time and remember the two workers who were killed during construction of our highly traveled bridge to Towanda on Route 6. A memorial to them including their names is located in the park below on the Wysox side, but they are not often remembered. Perhaps they could be included during memorials which honor our fallen deputies, which take place with regularity. The Bradford County Historical Society could also set up something to proactively record the history of gas drilling in the county as it is occurring, so that both the good and bad aspects, including the victims, are remembered into perpetuity as we march forth into our future. Those of us who had family lost to the PA coal industry appreciate the historical recordkeeping when it occurred.
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Others preceed and will follow,  03/15/10 1:08
Mr.Bales; You made my point. They were not driving sensibly. They could have taken any number of alternate routes more quickly and sensibly. They wanted to scream down main street at its absolute busiest time of the day, sirens and lights blaring, forcing traffic in both directions to the side. It looked like grandstanding and abuse of authority, jeopardizing the safety of many. I respect the volunteers, but I want them to use common sense. Maybe Penn DOT needs to go back to the way things were before in the interests of general public safety.
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unsafe at any speed,  03/14/10 8:11
I am a very close friend of Greg. We went to school together and his sister-n-law and brother are my best friends. We are all very shocked and sadden by this tragic accident. Thanks for the ones that have actually showed some respect in this and thanks for all the prayers that people have said. This family has not only lost this one in the last week but last week at the beginning of the week they had just had the funeral of another family member. He was a great friend and very loving father of two and will be greatly missed by us all. We love you Greg and you will always be in our hearts forever.
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LeAnne,  03/14/10 4:44
This is a reply to "sending sympathy"... Last I checked the terms and conditions say nothing of what I CAN or CANNOT post so long as i'm within those conditions. Therefore, I felt this was the place to bring up the safety issue at hand that led to this man's death. I DID say that this was tragic, and I do send my condolences to this man's family/friends... oh, and last I checked I was HUMAN.
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Just sayin...,  03/14/10 3:24
Actually the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania DOT allows fire chiefs, ambulance captains and fire police units to utilize red lights and sirens on privately owned vehicles. But they're required to drive sensibly. First, you complain that the fire truck or ambulance is too slow. So, they hire paid firemen, and your taxes go up, and you complain about that too. How about you just stick to being John Q. Public, and leave the gosh darn fire, rescue and ambulance volunteers alone. Otherwise, I'd be glad to take down your name, so we don't have to help you or your family, if you need us, just because we can't do it just perfect enough to suit your personal opinions. Watch.. This won't get posted.
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Charles David Bales, Fireman,  03/12/10 10:51
My sincerest condolences to Mr. Henry's family, friends, and co-workers. These gentlemen epitomize hard work and experience conditions I can't even imagine; then in times of crisis show a brotherhood and concern for fellow man that many would benefit to learn from. With much respect and a heavy heart, I extend all prayers to those mourning this tragic loss.
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friend,  03/12/10 9:35
Greg's Family will be in our prayers. we Will pray for his family and friends to one day find strength to help them with the loss of a loved one.
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just a reader,  03/12/10 6:46
Ok people i am a friend of his show a little more respect. Things happen. If you was not their you dont no what he had on or didnt have on. And to the others thanks for the respect....
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Chris H,  03/12/10 5:06
My condolences to Greg's family, friends and co-workers. I know the dangers of the gas drilling business and this is a terrible misfortune.
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gas worker's wife,  03/12/10 2:27
My thoughts & prayers go out to the family & friends for you lose.
Why no catch harness was wore is a good question? Safety should always be first.
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Debbie,  03/12/10 1:19
I am also sorry for this family's loss. I am also concerned about conditions on main street in Towanda with emergency responders trying to get to the scene of this accident. Several non-official vehicles, neither ambulance or police were using sirens and flashing red lights to force traffic to the sides, as they sped right down the center line. These were pickup trucks - privately owned vehicles, not emergency vehicles. Isn't this beyond their authority? It was certainly a violation of public safety.
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made a bad situation worse,  03/12/10 1:09
My condolences goes to the family. It is a shame something could not of been done to prevent this tragic accident.
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God Bless...,  03/12/10 1:02
It appears that it's time to stop, step back, and take a look at ALL the gas well problems/situations occuring in the county. It seems that everything is happening too fast at all once. Is getting rich worth all these senseless deaths???? Let's slow down, breathe, and think about the big picture here!!!!
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Where's the safety?,  03/12/10 12:35
At most places , people try to put safety first , and this would be totally unaccepted . Furthermore , it would be treated with a mighty hefty fine by OSHA . If you see someone violating a safety rule in YOUR place of employment , REPORT IT .
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Safety First,  03/12/10 12:17
Actually, people complain about the drilling. Not the people. Yes, the locals who drive the water trucks cause A LOT of problems.. But I've never heard so many please, thank you, yes sir, no sir, hello and friendly comments, as I've heard from these folks. The locals are stuck up and snotty, think we all owe them something, and the gas workers are friendly as can be. It's a terrible thing that they come here to support their families, so they can have better.. and die while doing so. Please post this, if there is anything the community can do for these fine gentlemen, let us known via the media. I'll gladly help out.
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C.D. Bales, Towanda,  03/12/10 11:47
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