Members of the Grandview Township and Sardis volunteer fire departments were among those responding to the scene of a reported explosion that happened while an orphaned oil well was being plugged in Independence Township in the Wayne National Forest. (Photo by Art Smith)

An Emergency Response Team from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Oil and Gas Resources Management and multiple area fire departments are responding to a reported explosion that occurred while a contractor was plugging an orphan well in Washington County’s Independence Township.

Officials at the scene said five people have been transported for medical care from the scene. Helicopters had landed near the scene along Independence Township 420 in the Wayne National Forest, not far from Frontier High School.

A dispatcher with the Washington County Sheriff’s and a spokesman with the Wayne National Forest confirmed an incident had taken place, but no other information was available at that time as the situation was ongoing.

The Wayne National Forest spokesperson said they had no roads closed as of 1:45 p.m. Monday afternoon.