A tragic accident at a Texas oilfield in Reeves County last week resulted in the death of one worker and injuries to two others during fracking operations carried out by ProPetro Services (PUMP.N) at a well site owned by Permian Resources Corp.
One man, age 45, was fatally injured when a pressurized device ruptured. Two other workers were hospitalized with injuries. In response, ProPetro suspended fracking operations and shut down the site for a safety investigation, according to the Reeves County Sheriff’s Office.
ProPetro confirmed the incident in a statement, stating that the company is working with authorities to determine the cause. Permian Resources Corp has not responded to requests for comment.
According to investigators from the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division, the accident occurred when a pressurized line containing approximately 9,000 pounds per square inch detached from a fracking unit. A disconnected pipe with valves on both ends was found at the scene.
Authorities found no evidence of foul play. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has launched an investigation into the incident. This is the second oilfield-related fatality in two months. The Andrews County Sheriff’s Department reported the death of a 35-year-old on Dec. 12 at an oil rig off State Highway 176, roughly 14 miles outside the city limits of Andrews.
