Oil rig explosions and disasters in Houston, TX, cause catastrophic injuries, tragic deaths, and significant financial losses. Whether it is in the Gulf of Mexico or onshore, oil rig disasters are among the deadliest industrial accidents in the United States.
The complex machinery used on oil rigs, the harsh working conditions, and the unpredictable nature of oil extraction combine to create a volatile situation that can lead to an epic catastrophe. Below are some of the most severe oil rig explosions and disasters in or near Houston, TX.
IXTOC I Oil Spill
On June 3, 1979, a well blowout triggered the Ixtoc I oil spill in the Bay of Campeche, Gulf of Mexico. A series of operational and technical failures during drilling resulted in the well blowout. Drilling mud failed to control pressure in the well, resulting in the uncontrolled release of gas and oil.
Pemex, a Mexican state-owned oil company, tried to cap the well to stop the flow of oil. Their attempts were unsuccessful. As a result, the well released up to 30,000 barrels of oil each day for nine months. The United States worked with Mexico to contain and clean up the oil spill.
The well was finally capped on March 23, 1980. Before being capped, it is estimated that the well released 126 million gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico.
The Deepwater Horizon
The Deepwater Horizon disaster is also known as the BP Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill. It began on April 20, 2010, in the Gulf of Mexico, resulting in the largest marine oil spill in history. It is estimated that 4.9 million barrels of oil were released into the Gulf of Mexico during the 87 days before the wellhead on the sea floor was capped.
A blowout occurred during drilling when a blowout preventer failed to activate correctly. A massive explosion occurred, killing 11 oil rig workers and injuring many others. The explosion ignited a fire that burned for two days before the oil rig sank into the Gulf of Mexico.
In addition to the tragic loss of life and severe injuries caused during the explosion, oil spread across thousands of miles. The oil contaminated marshes, beaches, and marine habitats. It has a devastating impact on birds, fish, marine mammals, and other wildlife.
The Deepwater Horizon prompted changes in industry practices and regulations. The federal government enacted stricter regulations for offshore oil rigs. It established the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) to enforce compliance and safety regulations.
Other Oil Rig Explosions and Disasters
Dozens of oil rig explosions and disasters highlight the dangers of offshore drilling. Other oil rig disasters include:
- A massive explosion on the Piper Alpha platform in the North Sea killed 167 workers.
- The Ensco 101 oil rig had a blowout during drilling that resulted in an explosion and fire that killed five workers.
- A wave hit the Ocean Ranger in 1982 near Canada. The oil rig sank, killing all of the crew, which consisted of 84 employees and contractors.
- The Vermillion Oil Rig 380 exploded just 200 miles east of the Deepwater Horizon site off the coast of Louisiana in 2010.
- The Alexander L. Kielland rig in the North Sea collapsed, killing 123 of the 212-member crew.
Today, safety standards and regulations are designed to protect oil rig workers from injuries and death. However, oil rig accidents continue to occur.
What Should I Do if I’m Injured in an Oil Rig Accident in Houston, Texas?
If you are injured in an oil rig accident, seek immediate medical treatment for your injuries. Report the accident to your employer. Then, contact an experienced Houston oil rig explosion and accident lawyer.
Your employer and the workers’ compensation insurance company don’t have your best interests as their priority. They will prevent you from recovering the damages you deserve if possible. An experienced oil rig accident lawyer will protect your rights and best interests.
Depending on your case’s facts, you may have several legal options available. An attorney can help you pursue a workers’ comp claim. You may also have a claim against a negligent third party, which could result in substantial compensation for an oil rig accident.
Call 1-888-603-3636 or Click Here for a Free Consultation With an Undefeated Houston Oil Rig Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one were injured in an oil rig accident in Houston, TX, you may be entitled to compensation. At Zehl & Associates, our attorneys are undefeated and have obtained billions of dollars for our clients. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn about your legal rights and options.
Contact the Undefeated Houston Oil Rig Injury Lawyers from Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact our Undefeated Oil Rig attorneys in Texas at Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
We proudly serve Harris County, Midland County, and throughout the state of Texas:
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Houston
2700 Post Oak Blvd #1000, Houston, TX 77056
(888) 603-3636
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