Oregon Tank Explosion: WWII-Era Tank Explodes, Killing Two Men Attempting To Fire Round

An Oregon tank explosion killed two men who were attempting to fire a round through the WWII-era tank. The fatal accident happened on Tuesday afternoon at a public gun range near the city of Bend.

The WWII-era tank explosion victims died almost immediately from the wounds sustained during the Oregon incident, MSN reports. Authorities say two people have died in an explosion inside a World War II-era tank at a firing range in Oregon.

One of the men reportedly died instantly, but another lived just long enough to speak with police officers. Both men were pronounced dead at the scene, and an autopsy is scheduled to take place this week.

“One of the victims was still alive [when police arrived], and they were able to speak with that victim. Bend Fire Department did attempt life-saving efforts on that victim, but the victim died,” said Deschutes County Sheriff Shane Nelson. “This is a tragic day. Two families lost loved ones, and our hearts and prayers go out to those that loved ones today.”

A camera crew happened to be at the Central Oregon Shooting Sports gun range and captured at least part of the Oregon tank explosion.

“There was a camera crew on scene, and they were filming the tank. As to what they were filming or why they were filming, those details haven’t been found out yet,” Sheriff Nelson added.

2 killed in tank explosion outside Bend identified as Oregon City men https://t.co/5KOGjCgFQG pic.twitter.com/E2DqkiOKf1

— The Oregonian (@Oregonian) October 28, 2015

Paramedics rushed to the scene as did local police officers. There was no risk to the public during the WWII tank exercise or the Oregon tank explosion. Both the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and the Oregon State Police Arson and Explosives Section are investigating the deadly accident.

The two men killed in the explosion have been identified as 51-year-old Steve Preston and 22-year-old Austin Lee, the Oregonian is reporting.

The World War II-era tank was purchased by businessman Steve Preston in 1999 for $60,000. The tank was a 1944 Buick Hellcat M18 destroyer. During an interview with the Wall Street Journal in September, Preston spoke with affection about the tank, which he had dubbed “Rachel.”

Preston was the Military Vehicle Preservation Association director and had used the WW2 tank frequently for organization fundraisers.

“Everyone knows what a Sherman tank looks like. A tank destroyer looks similar but has thinner armor and an open top turret, for greater speed and visibility,” Preston said. “The Hellcat was the fastest tracked vehicle of any kind during World War II, with a top speed of about 55 mph.”

The following is an excerpt from the Military Vehicle Preservation Association website’s obituary for Steve Preston.

“It is with great sadness that the MVPA reports the passing of MVPA Board Director and Convention Chairman Steve Preston. Steve was fatally injured in an accident Tuesday, October 27 while participating in an historic military vehicle demonstration, an event that was among his favorite activities.”

It is legal for civilians to purchase vintage military equipment and antique tanks as long as the equipment has been disarmed, an Automobile Magazine report stated in a 2008 report.

Steve Preston petitioned the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms for permission to both purchase and re-arm the World War II-era tank, according to a Discovery Channel interview with the preservation enthusiast in 2011.

“I’ve owned [the tank] for about 12 years, but it was just recently that I made the gun live on it, so I actually have an operating cannon on it,” Steve Preston said. “[My friend Chuck] is an explosives expert friend of mine, so he’s going to help me load it up.”

[Image via Shutterstock/Ivan Cholakov]