A Bakersfield family continues to wait for news about a man hurt after an explosion threw him from a rig platform.
Danielle Andrade's husband was injured during an oil rig explosion.
"Right now, he's in stable condition. The internal bleeding has stopped, he’s been awake," said Danielle.
Around 8:30 a.m. Friday, Leo Andrade was working for MMI Services, an independent well-serving contractor. According to the fire department, they were securing an abandoned well near California Avenue and Easton Drive.
After the explosion, we are learning that the company has been inspected by CAL/OSHA a few times. The most recent case was an accident involving a falling drill collar that happened back in 2020 at their Round Mountain Road location where they received two violations.
MMI Services appealed those violations and one of the citations were removed.
Attorney Matt Clark with Chain Cohn and Clark said it's standard for CAL/OSHA and California's Geologic Energy Management Division to investigate.
"If there is an injury on a work site and that injury is significant to result in a hospitalization, CAL/OSHA has to be called out. That is the law," said Clark.
On the company's website, it said it "has placed and will continue to place, safety, regulatory compliance, environmental management as a highest corporate and individual priority."
Clark has handled many cases related to the oil and gas industry and said accidents like this are not very common.
"That is an industry that has made enormous strides in the way of safety. So, as a lawyer just hearing about this case, it certainly raises questions as to what slipped through the cracks," said Clark.
As of now, an investigation is being conducted to figure out the cause of the explosion. According to the fire department, Andrade suffered major injuries to both of his legs.
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Currently, there is no time frame for his recovery but Leo's wife said she's grateful for all the community support.
"We know that we need an army full of prayer. One to three gathered was just what we were thankful for, but just to see the full communities' support meant the absolute world," said Danielle.
“He’s a good man, a selfless God-fearing man and he leaded everyone. He’s been in this for 25-plus years.”