What Investigators Are Looking For in the Gulf of Mexico Rig Explosion

Families and victims are still reeling from the aftermath of the Gulf of Mexico rig explosion involving the Deepwater Horizon. This tragic offshore rig accident claimed the lives of 11 maritime workers and left others injured.

There has been a public outcry as Americans demand to know how the accident could have occurred and who is responsible. Key components that investigators are looking at to help answer these tough questions include well design and cementing.

Investigators are trying to determine if it was appropriate to utilize nitrogen foamed cement at this depth. This practice is generally used for shallow drilling and seems to be uncommon for oil rigs in deep waters.

Officials are also studying Halliburton lab reports to determine if the cement had enough time to properly cure.

There has been speculation as to whether there was contamination of the cement. This could have led to cement channeling, which may have impacted the flow path for formation fluids. One of the concerns is whether there were appropriate tests conducted following the cement job.

These are all important questions that investigators are trying to answer in order to determine the exact cause of the fatal explosion. The investigation is ongoing.

If you or someone you know has been injured while working on an oil rig, you should contact one of our experienced maritime attorneys at the Law Offices of Vujasinovic & Beckcom P.L.L.C. at (713) 224-7800 or (877) 724-7800.