Gulf of Louisiana Oil Rig Explosion
Deepwater Horizon Oil Rig Fire Lawyer
A massive explosion on an oil drilling rig off the coast of Louisiana has left 17 injured and 11 missing. Enormous plumes of fire shot high into the sky as thick columns of black smoke rose over the massive drilling platform, known as the Deepwater Horizon, which is both longer and wider than a football field.
The Coast Guard conducted an extensive aerial search but was unable to find the 11 missing oil workers who were onboard the Deepwater Horizon when it was rocked by an immense explosion at 10pm on Tuesday, April 20. Officials said 126 people were onboard at the time of the explosion.
Apparent “Blowout” Results in Serious Injuries
The oil rig was situated 52 miles offshore of Venice, Louisiana, when the explosion occurred. Officials are quoted as saying, "They did not have a lot of time to evacuate. This would have happened very rapidly."
An investigation is currently underway to determine the cause of the catastrophe, but it appears the crew had drilled to their target depth of 18,000 feet when a “blowout” occurred. The term describes the uncontrolled release of gas or oil into the oil drilling pipeline, which quickly pressurizes and forcefully ejects drilling equipment back towards the surface.
The resulting explosion was tremendous. Injured workers were evacuated via helicopter, while the rest of the crew was loaded onto boats and taken to shore. Injuries included burns, smoke inhalation, and broken bones.
The oil drilling rig Deepwater Horizon is owned by Transocean Ltd. and was under contract by the oil giant BP.
Free Initial Consultation
If you or a loved one has been affected by the Transocean oil rig explosion, our injury lawyers are ready to assist you. Call us or fill out a free online consultation form to learn what we can do to help you. We easily serve clients throughout Louisiana and Mississippi, including Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and New Orleans. Call (866) 897-8495 or fill out a free online consultation form and talk to a lawyer today.