BEND, Ore. (AP) — Two men killed during an explosion inside a World War II-era tank at a central Oregon firing range were part of a video shoot for an exhibit, authorities said Wednesday.
A crew was filming the military vehicle as it fired when the blast occurred Tuesday that killed Steven Todd Preston, 51, and Austin Tyler Lee, 22, Deschutes County Sheriff L. Shane Nelson said. He did not release further details about the exhibit.
Nelson said the armored vehicle is a 1944 M18 Hellcat, which is technically a tank destroyer. The M18s were used against German tanks during World War II.
“The film crew was capturing video of the tank destroyer firing rounds. The video was to be used as part of a display of the tank destroyer in a future exhibit,” Nelson said in a statement.
Paramedics tried to save the victims, but they died from their injuries. Rescuers were able to speak with one of the victims before he died, Nelson told KTVZ-TV.
The tank sat in a field, blocked off by police cars, while officers worked beneath floodlights overnight to gather evidence. Authorities said there is no risk to the public.
“This is a tragic day,” Nelson said Tuesday. “Two families lost loved ones, and our hearts and prayers go out to them.”
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