REEVES COUNTY, TX – A ruptured pressurized line at a fracking site in Reeves County killed one worker and injured two others on Monday, according to the Reeves County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities identified the deceased as Edward Rodriguez, 45. This happened at the Permian Resources-Guthrie State D 132H well site, about eight miles south of Highway 285 near County Road 114, where ProPetro Services was conducting fracking operations.
Officials said the rupture of a pressurized device caused fatal injuries to Rodriguez, leaving him decapitated. One injured worker was flown to Medical Center Hospital in Odessa for treatment of a severed arm. The site supervisor suffered minor injuries and was transported to Reeves Regional Hospital in Pecos.
Deputies used drones to scan the area for additional victims, and emergency crews provided medical aid at the scene. ProPetro shut down operations and powered down equipment as investigators worked to secure the site.
The Sheriff’s Office determined that a pressurized line containing about 9,000 psi had detached from a fracking unit, leading to the accident. Investigators located a disconnected pipe with valves still attached at both ends.
No foul play is suspected, but the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is conducting an investigation. Justice of the Peace Sam Lujan ordered an autopsy for Rodriguez.
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