Chesapeake Oil Rig Explosion Near Caldwell, TX Leaves 3 Dead, 1 Injured

An explosion at an oil rig owned by Chesapeake Energy Corp. near Caldwell, Texas on January 29 has left three people dead and another injured. The fire at the site, which burned for a full day, has been extinguished and the well is secured, the Oklahoma City-based company said in brief update today.

Four employees of Chesapeake contractors C.C. Forbes and Eagle Pressure Control were at the well, located on a county road near Caldwell on January 29, to perform maintenance. At around 3:30, a blowout occurred and flames erupted from the wellhead.

Windell Beddingfield (38) of Tyler, TX died at the scene. Three other workers sustained serious injuries and were airlifted to hospitals in Austin and Houston where two of them later died, including oil field worker Brian Maldonado (25) of San Diego, TX.

The explosion attorneys at Pritzker Hageman represent people who have been injured in explosions and families who have suffered the wrongful death of a loved one. To request a free consultation with our Explosions Team, please call us at 1-888-377-8900, text us at 612-261-0856 or, complete the form below.