There was an accident at an oil pumping station in Cass County, Michigan on February 4, 2024. According to reports, a worker was killed during an explosion while working on a tank at the location. A second worker sustained injuries. The victim has been identified as Charles Lawrence. Trak Oil has been identified as the owner of the location where this deadly incident occurred.
An explosion at an oil pumping station, particularly while workers were performing work on a tank, can have several potential causes, often related to the volatile nature of the substances involved and the procedures used during maintenance or repair activities. One primary risk factor could be the ignition of flammable vapors. During maintenance, if the tank contained residues of oil or gas, these could emit flammable vapors that, when mixed with air, create an explosive atmosphere. The ignition of these vapors could be triggered by a variety of sources, such as sparks from metal tools, static electricity, or even hot surfaces. Another potential cause could be the improper handling or failure to follow safety protocols regarding the cleaning and venting of the tank before starting work, leading to an accumulation of combustible gases. Additionally, mechanical failure, such as a breach in the tank integrity due to corrosion or damage, could expose flammable materials to an ignition source. The combination of these factors—volatile substances, potential ignition sources, and possibly inadequate safety measures—highlights the critical importance of strict adherence to safety protocols in preventing such dangerous incidents.
Unfortunately, incidents like this one are becoming regular occurrences for workers. A fire broke out at an oilfield site near New Town, North Dakota on April 8, 2023. A worker died from inhalation of fumes in a tank at a site near Wayne, Oklahoma on September 20, 2023. A worker was impaled when a pipe fell from about 30 feet up on an oil rig in Wichita County, Texas on November 16, 2023.
Oil and gas extraction is dangerous work. Oil rigs can pose significant dangers both to workers and to the general public. When dangerous work is involved, extra precautions must be taken, or workers can suffer the consequence. According to the Center for Public Integrity, 1,566 oilfield workers were killed from 2008 through 2017. Centers for Disease Control statistics indicate that the fatality rate for oil and gas workers is seven times higher than for workers in general in the United States. The CDC indicates that transportation related incidents remain the highest cause of oilfield worker death.
Those touched by an accident in the oil field should know their legal rights and remedies, and act quickly to preserve them. Our attorneys have extensive experience in cases involving oilfield personal injury and wrongful death, including accidents in the oilfield. The firm has experience in courts across the country and the skills needed to represent the families of loved ones who have lost their lives or as a result of an oilfield accident, or been seriously injured.
The experienced attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm can help you understand your rights if you or a loved one was a victim of an oilfield accident. Please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 or to learn more about your legal rights.