The U.S. Chemical Safety Board has opened an investigation into last week’s fatal well blowout at a Chesapeake Energy drilling site in Burleson County, Texas.
The Board is just one of several state and federal agencies investigating the tragedy, which left three oilfield workers dead and another hospitalized.
Board Will Focus on Root Cause of Chesapeake Energy Blowout
A team from the U.S. Chemical Safety Board arrived in Burleson County on Monday, five days after the January 29th blowout. While the Board has no authority to issue fines or citations, its investigations into the root causes of major industrial accidents and resulting regulatory recommendations have been credited with saving countless lives.
Inspectors from the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have been on the scene since Sunday and are focused on uncovering any workplace safety violations that might have contributed to the disaster. Unlike the Chemical Safety Board, OSHA is able to issue fines and citations when employers are found to have violated workplace safety rules.
Blowout Erupted as Workover Crew was Upgrading Well
The Chesapeake Energy well blowout erupted around 3:30 p.m., as a workover crew was upgrading the well. Eleven employees from Chesapeake Energy, Eagle Pressure Control and C.C. Forbes were on site at the time.
Preliminary findings from the Texas Railroad Commission indicate an unexpected surge of natural gas triggered the blowout, but investigators have yet to identify an ignition source.
Zehl & Associates Representing Family of Worker Tragically Killed in Chesapeake Energy Blowout
A 38-year-old contractor with Fort Worth-based Eagle Pressure Control died at the scene. Zehl & Associates is now representing his family and has filed a temporary restraining order and injunction in Burleson County District Court, requiring Chesapeake Energy to preserve all evidence related to the fatal blowout.
Three severely burned contractors were airlifted to hospitals in Austin and Houston. Sadly, a second unidentified worker succumbed to his injuries last Thursday and a third died over the weekend.
The condition of the fourth injured contractor is unknown.
Call 1-888-603-3636 or Click Here for a Free Consult with Our Undefeated Oilfield Accident Lawyers
Our Undefeated Oilfield Explosion Lawyers have committed our full resources to investigating the January 29th well blowout in Burleson County, determining how it could have been prevented, and ensuring the companies responsible are held accountable for the pain and suffering inflicted on victims and their families.
We will provide additional updates as new information becomes available.
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