5 Fatal Oil & Gas Accidents Since 2005 (Human Error Accidents)
The oil and gas industry is known as one of the most dangerous work sectors. Both onshore and offshore drilling operations pose their own sets of risks – from unpredictable weather conditions to operations of complex equipment. Major causes of accidents include human error, mechanical failure, natural causes and deficient procedures and training when dealing with emergency situations. These accidents serve as an important reminder for companies to constantly review and improve safety protocols and equipment to be prepared in the event of dire emergency situations.
Petrobras Platform P-36 Explosion
2001 — The P-36 offshore production platform was rocked by three explosions in the starboard, causing the fire and flooding of the platform. The dispersed gas from the explosion led to a fire, that caused a major explosion that killed 11 people. The platform sank off the coast of Rio de Janeiro five days later, spilling over 10,000 barrels of fuel and crude oil into the Atlantic ocean.
Mumbai High North Disaster
2005 — A multi-purpose support (MPS) vessel collided into the Mumbai High North processing platform which ruptured the platform’s gas exporting risers. This resulted in a major explosion from the leakage of crude oil that caught fire and took 22 lives. 12 people were killed while 12 others were reported missing. The fire lasted for over two hours and the whole platform was destroyed.
Usumacinta Jack-up Disaster
2007 — During stormy weather with strong winds of 130km/hr and waves between 6m to 8m, the Usumacinta rig collided with the Kab-101 platform off the coast of Mexico, causing oil and gas leaks. Although 81 workers in the Usumacinta were evacuated by lifeboat, the accident still resulted in a loss of 21 lives in one of the Pemex’s worst accidents.
Deepwater Horizon
2010 – A surge of natural gas rose and ignited onto Deepwater Horizon’s platform, resulting in an explosion and fire that killed 11 workers and injured 17. The rig capsized and sank two days later, and resulted in an oil leakage of over 5,000 barrels a day and a total of 4.9 million barrels of oil into the Gulf through the damaged undersea well. The oil spill is reportedly one of the worst in U.S. history.
Oklahoma Rig Explosion
2018 – The explosion was reportedly caused by an uncontrolled gas release, which resulted in an explosion and fire that led to a loss of five lives. The recovery operation was hindered by the hot temperatures, and search crews had to wait for the rig to cool off before going in one of the U.S.’s deadliest onshore drilling accidents.
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References:
http://members.home.nl/the_sims/rig/usumacinta.htm
https://www.britannica.com/event/Deepwater-Horizon-oil-spill-of-2010#ref311800