# The Most Severe Oil Rig Explosions and Disasters in Texas | Attorney Brian White **Table of Contents***[*Expand*]* 1. Deepwater Horizon: The Worst Spill in History 2. The West Texas Explosion 3. The Jasper County Explosion 4. The Wendland 1H Well Explosion 5. Contact Our Burnet Personal Injury Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers for Legal Help After an Oil Rig Explosion ![The Most Severe Oil Rig Explosions and Disasters in Texas](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/The-Most-Severe-Oil-Rig-Explosions-and-Disasters-in-Texas-300x200.jpg) Texas leads the nation in oil production, but with that dominance comes serious risks. Oil rig explosions are among the most catastrophic events that occur in the energy industry, typically resulting in [life-changing injuries](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/burnet-tx/personal-injury-lawyer/), if not death.  In a 2023 report, the CDC analyzed [oil and gas extraction fatalities](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/ss/ss7208a1.htm#T4_down) from 2014 to 2019, grouped by basin. It was discovered that the famous [Permian basin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Permian_Basin_(North_America)) was the deadliest in the U.S., with 148 deaths occurring in those five years. It’s a figure that accounts for 31.5% of all oil and gas extraction worker fatalities during that time frame.  Below is a deeper dive into some of the most well-known oil-rig [workplace accidents](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/burnet-tx/workplace-accident-lawyer/) in Texas history. Our list omits disasters at other oil and gas facilities, such as refineries and processing plants. Still, it’s important to note that Texas has had several such incidents over the years, a few of which led to dozens of fatalities and injuries.  The featured incidents that specifically involved oil rigs are as follows:  ## Deepwater Horizon: The Worst Spill in History The 2010 [Deepwater Horizon oil spill](https://www.britannica.com/event/Deepwater-Horizon-oil-spill) is the largest and most infamous in history. A total of 11 workers died, and many others were injured, while an estimated 4.9 million barrels of oil spilled into the Gulf.  While it technically took place off the Louisiana coast, it’s still worth including here, as many of the crew members were Texans. Texas agencies were also instrumental in the spill response, and the spill had a direct and lasting impact on the Lone Star State’s coastline. For a legal consultation call [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) ## The West Texas Explosion In 2015, an oil rig in [West Texas exploded](https://www.texastribune.org/2015/09/08/west-texas-company-fined-deadly-oil-rig-explosion/), killing three workers. Federal regulators ultimately fined the company that operated the well $50,000 for safety violations. Investigators reported that five of the violations were classified as “serious,” while the sixth was a “repeat” violation.  Two factors that likely played the biggest role in the explosion were the fact that the company allowed workers to drive pickup trucks near the well and that workers also smoked nearby.  ## The Jasper County Explosion In mid-2019, a Jasper County [oil rig exploded](https://www.12newsnow.com/article/news/local/three-severely-burned-after-oil-rig-explosion-south-of-kirbyville/502-3e3bd24b-c673-438a-93f9-996abe54d591), injuring four workers, three of whom suffered severe burns. According to some reports, one worker made off-camera statements, blaming a pump malfunction for the explosion. However, that was never confirmed to be the cause. While it is fortunate that no one died in the explosion, the three burn victims nevertheless faced a long road to recovery. Treating [burn injuries](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/burn-injury-lawyer/) often requires debridement, a painful procedure where medical professionals remove damaged tissue.  [Click to contact](/contact-us/) us today ## The Wendland 1H Well Explosion Lastly, in 2020, the [Wendland 1H Well](https://www.csb.gov/wendland-1h-well-fatal-explosion-/), located in Burleson County, TX, exploded.  The incident led to the death of three contractors, and investigators discovered the following safety concerns: - Lack of comprehensive well planning - Inadequate ignition source management - Inadequate control for completed wells in underpressured reservoirs - Federal regulatory safety violations  The contractors lost control of the well, which led to the blowout. As oil and gas escaped the well, it found an ignition source, which led to a flash fire.  Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Now ## Contact Our Burnet Personal Injury Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers for Legal Help After an Oil Rig Explosion Oil rig disasters over the years have repeatedly highlighted the risks that workers and nearby communities face. Even if workers survive an oil rig incident, they are often left with life-altering injuries, such as [traumatic brain injuries](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/burnet-tx/brain-injury-lawyer/), burns, and broken bones. While huge strides have been made to make rigs safer, there is still much work to be done.  Our offices Houston — Greenway/Upper Kirby 3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350 Houston, TX 77098 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 364-1466](tel:+17133641466) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%203120%20Southwest%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20350%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077098) Houston — East Freeway 11811 East Freeway, Suite 630-06 Houston, TX 77029 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 609-1893](tel:+17136091893) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011811%20East%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20630-06%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077029) Houston — South Loop 2600 South Loop West, Suite 293 Houston, TX 77054 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 281-4904](tel:+17132814904) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%202600%20South%20Loop%20West%2C%20Suite%20293%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077054) Houston — Katy Freeway 11511 Katy Fwy, Suite 515 Houston, TX 77079 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 909-7537](tel:+17139097537) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011511%20Katy%20Fwy%2C%20Suite%20515%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077079) Houston — Clear Lake 1300 Bay Area Blvd, Suite B268 Houston, TX 77058 By appointment only Call [(936) 508-2854](tel:+19365082854) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201300%20Bay%20Area%20Blvd%2C%20Suite%20B268%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077058) The Woodlands 1776 Woodstead Ct, Ste. 203 The Woodlands, TX 77380 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201776%20Woodstead%20Ct%2C%20Ste.%20203%2C%20The%20Woodlands%2C%20TX%2077380) Champion Forest (Cypress) 4606 FM 1960 Rd W, Ste. 444 Houston, TX 77069 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%204606%20FM%201960%20Rd%20W%2C%20Ste.%20444%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077069) --- ### About the Author Brian White ![About the Author Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/brian-white-houston-personal-injury-lawyer-300x300.jpg) [Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/our-attorneys/brian-white/) earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston and is licensed to practice in Texas. He is a [Board-Certified](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/resources/brian-white-is-board-certified-in-personal-injury-trial-law/) Personal Injury Trial Lawyer. Dedicated to giving back, he actively supports local charities and [community initiatives](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/community-involvement/). [Client testimonials](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/testimonials/) highlight Brian’s compassion, open communication, and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for those he represents. [Avvo](https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/77098-tx-brian-white-74113.html) / [Justia](https://lawyers.justia.com/lawyer/brian-elliott-white-201630) / [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/attorney-brian-white-378410166) / [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/BrianWhiteLawFirm/) / [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDdkDcGkbY2GFTzpeTWypFQ) / [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/attorneybrianwhite/?hl=en) / [Yelp](https://www.yelp.com/biz/brian-white-and-associates-houston) / Call or Text [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) or Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Maritime Accidents Blog Posts: [![Underwater & Hyperbaric Welding: What You Need to Know](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Underwater-Hyperbaric-Welding-What-You-Need-to-Know-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/underwater-hyperbaric-welding-what-you-need-to-know/) [Underwater Hyperbaric Welding: What You Need to Know](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/underwater-hyperbaric-welding-what-you-need-to-know/) Underwater welding is one of the most extreme (and hazardous) jobs in the world. It combines the danger of deep-sea [![Largest Oil Rig Explosions in U.S. and Texas History ](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Largest-Oil-Rig-Explosions-in-U.S.-and-Texas-History-300x199.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/largest-oil-rig-explosions-in-us-and-texas-history/) [Largest Oil Rig Explosions in U.S. and Texas History](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/largest-oil-rig-explosions-in-us-and-texas-history/) The Gulf of Mexico has the most offshore oil rigs in the world. Texas has the most drilling rigs in the country, with [![Everything You Never Knew About Crude Oil](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Everything-You-Never-Knew-About-Crude-Oil-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/everything-you-never-knew-about-crude-oil/) [Everything You Never Knew About Crude Oil](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/everything-you-never-knew-about-crude-oil/) Crude oil has a huge impact on your daily life, especially if you live in Texas. The Lone Star State ranks first in [![Offshore Drilling for Oil: How Does It Work Exactly?](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/offshore-drilling-for-oil-how-does-it-work-exactly-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/offshore-drilling-for-oil-how-does-it-work-exactly/) [Offshore Drilling for Oil: How Does It Work Exactly?](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/offshore-drilling-for-oil-how-does-it-work-exactly/) Roughly 30% of the world’s oil comes from offshore fields, but how exactly does it reach the surface? Offshore --- Source: https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-most-severe-oil-rig-explosions-and-disasters-in-texas/