An oilfield worker was tragically killed Wednesday afternoon, when a tank battery caught fire at a refinery in Permian Basin, just outside of Loving, New Mexico.
A second worker was injured in the fire as well.
Fire Destroys 6 Tanks at WPX Energy Refinery
The July 19th fire erupted shortly before 1:00 p.m. at a WPX Energy refinery along U.S. Refinery Road in Eddy County, roughly 43 miles from Albuquerque.
At least 6 tanks used to hold crude oil and other flammable materials were burning by the time emergency responders arrived on the scene.
Crews were not able to contain the fire until 4:00 p.m.
The 2 Workers Were Employed by Contractors
WPX Energy has not identified the deceased or injured workers, nor has any information been released regarding the nature of the injuries.
The victims were employed by contractors that WPX hired to perform work at the refinery.
No Drilling Activities Underway When Fire Broke Out
According to WPX, no drilling or fracking activities were taking place when the fire broke out.
Oil wells that feed into the refinery from remote sites were shut-in following the incident.
OSHA Investigating the Incident
WPX Energy is an independent petroleum and natural gas producer based in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
The company employs around 70 people to support operations in the Permian Basin in New Mexico, most of which are located in Loving and Eddy counties.
A spokesperson for WPX Energy indicated that the company was cooperating with investigators from the the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Over $1 Billion Won for Injured Workers: Call 1-888-603-3636 or Click Here for a Free Consultation
Our Undefeated Oilfield Accident Lawyers recently recovered over $10 Million from one of the largest oil companies in the United States for an oilfield worker who was injured in a flash fire in the San Juan Basin and have won over $1 Billion for injured workers across the country.
If you or a loved one were involved in the WPX Permian Basin fire and have questions about your legal rights and options, contact our Oilfield Accident Lawyers at 1-888-603-3636 or send us an email through our Contact Form by Clicking Here.
We’ll answer your questions, explain your rights, and make sure you have the information you need to make the best decision for yourself and your family.
All consultations are free, and because we work on a contingency fee, you won’t pay us anything unless we win your case.