Texas worker killed in North Dakota oil rig fall

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Authorities say a worker from Texas has died after falling at an oil rig site in North Dakota.

Mountrail County Sheriff Corey Bristol says 42-year-old Daniel Navarrete of New Braunfels, Texas, fell through an open hatch Thursday in a pit at a Nabors Industries rig north of New Town. The Bismarck Tribune reports that other workers tried to rescue Navarrete and even drained the pit. But Navarrete died at the scene.

Site owner and operator Devon Energy said the company is “devastated” and has shut down operations for the time being.

January 9, 2023