An oilfield worker was tragically killed and another seriously injured following an accident on Monday, September 25 at an oilfield in Hidalgo County near McCook, Texas.
The incident was reported around 10:00 a.m., after a portion of an oil rig fell at a field on North Moorefield Road and McCook Acre.
Two Oilfield Workers Trapped Under Equipment After Truck Tips Over
According to KRGV.com, Alton Fire Chief Javier Garcia said a big blue truck tipped over as oilfield workers attempted to set up a tower, trapping two men under the equipment.
“One of them was on top of the tower and the other was on the base of the truck, and the truck driver was able to escape,” he said.
One oilfield worker was pronounced dead at the scene.
The injured man was airlifted to Doctors Hospital at Renaissance. Details of his condition have not been disclosed
Multiple agencies, including the Texas Railroad Commission, the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Department, and the Alton Fire Department responded to the scene.
Officials have not released the names of the victims or the company they worked for. However, KRGV.com reported that more than one company was involved.
According to the Brownsville Herald, the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the incident as an “equivocal death”. However, there are no signs of foul play.
“(It) appears to be accidental but still pending autopsy results,” Deputy Jena Palacios said in the statement.
Oilfield Injuries and Deaths
Unfortunately, oilfield deaths and injuries are hardly rare – especially in Texas.
Oil field fatalities rose significantly in 2016, with 545 deaths reported nationwide. That figure represents an increase of 3.2% increase over the number of deaths recorded in the previous 5 years.
Texas alone accounted for 216 fatalities between 2012 and 2016, representing a 7.4% increase.
During the same period, North Dakota saw a 340% increase in oilfield fatalities, while Pennsylvania reported a 300% increase. Oklahoma saw oilfield deaths rise by 24%.
Only Louisiana, New Mexico, and Wyoming saw a decrease in oilfield fatalities.
Despite these alarming statistics, Wyoming is the only oil-producing state to pass safety reforms designed to reduce workplace accidents.
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