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Oil Pad Explosion in Burleson County, Texas

by | Jan 15, 2025 | Oilfield Accidents

There was an oilfield explosion in Burleson County, Texas on January 14, 2025.  According to reports, there was an explosion at an oil pad on Tuesday morning.  It is believed the explosion occurred as a result of a fiber-glass tank located near the non-operational well.  Reports indicate static electricity located in the salt water tanks may have triggered the explosion in an oil tank located nearby.  Luckily, none of the workers present are reported to have been injured. Additional details regarding the incident have not yet been released.

The oilfield explosion in Burleson County, Texas, underscores the significant risks posed by static electricity in oilfield operations. The explosion occurred at an oil pad and is believed to have been triggered by static electricity in a nearby saltwater tank. While it is fortunate that no workers were injured, this incident highlights the need for stringent safety measures to prevent static electricity from becoming a dangerous ignition source in oilfield environments.

Static electricity is a common hazard in oilfield operations due to the movement of fluids, such as saltwater and crude oil, through pipes and storage tanks. When these materials flow, they can generate static charges that build up on the surfaces of equipment. If the static charge is not properly dissipated or grounded, it can discharge as a spark, which is capable of igniting flammable vapors. In this case, static electricity in the saltwater tanks is suspected to have initiated the explosion, illustrating the volatility of oilfield environments.

Fiberglass tanks, like the one involved in this explosion, are often chosen for their corrosion resistance and lightweight construction. However, fiberglass materials are poor conductors of electricity, making them susceptible to static charge buildup. This characteristic can create a dangerous situation when such tanks are used to store or transport flammable materials. Without proper grounding or anti-static measures, a single spark can ignite nearby vapors, as may have occurred in Burleson County.

Environmental factors, such as humidity and temperature, can further influence the likelihood of static electricity buildup. Dry air conditions, often present in Texas oilfields, reduce the dissipation of static charges and increase the risk of a spark. Additionally, the proximity of the fiberglass oil tank to other equipment, such as the non-operational well, may have created a confined area where flammable vapors were concentrated, amplifying the explosion’s intensity.

This incident highlights the critical importance of implementing robust static electricity control measures in oilfield operations. Grounding and bonding systems, anti-static additives in fluids, and routine inspections of storage tanks and equipment are essential for minimizing the risk of explosions. The Burleson County explosion serves as a reminder that even non-operational wells and seemingly dormant equipment can pose significant hazards without proper safety protocols in place. As investigations continue, this case underscores the necessity for ongoing vigilance and adherence to best practices in oilfield safety.

Unfortunately, incidents like this one are becoming regular occurrences for workers.  A worker was a killed by a piece of oilfield equipment in an industrial accident in Hardin County, Texas on June 5, 2024.  There was an oilfield explosion and fire in Myton, Utah on August 14, 2024.  There was an accident involving multiple oilfield work trucks in Mentone, Texas on August 28, 2024.  There was an oilfield tank battery explosion in El Reno, Oklahoma on November 1, 2024. There was an oilfield accident in Andrews County, Texas on December 12, 2024.

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.