[09-17-2025] Kern County, CA – Oilfield Worker Injured in Fiery Explosion at Elk Hills Near Skyline and Elk Hills Roads

One oilfield worker was injured and transported to a hospital after a fiery explosion at Elk Hills on the western side of the field near Skyline and Elk Hills roads in Kern County on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

According to the Kern County Fire Department, the explosion and fire were reported around 10:48 a.m.

Firefighters arrived to find a vehicle burning and a grass fire that spread from the blast. A large cloud of black smoke was visible from a distance. The extent of the worker’s injuries has not been released.

The grass fire was quickly contained after burning 12 acres. The Kern County Public Health Department responded to the scene and is investigating the incident.

Contact Our Workplace Accident Lawyers in Kern County, CA

Workplace accidents, including explosions, can result in serious injuries and may leave workers and their families facing physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Learning about possible legal options may help individuals and families make informed decisions after such an incident.

Workplace accident lawyers in Kern County can help you explore legal avenues following a workplace explosion or injury. Support may include reviewing official reports, assisting with insurance claims, and explaining the process of pursuing compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Early legal guidance from employment lawyers may help injured workers and their families better understand the complexities that can follow these types of incidents.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a workplace accident or a farm accident, call our work injury lawyers at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have a Case?” form for a free initial consultation.

What To Do After A Workplace Accident In Kern County, CA

Workplace accidents can have serious consequences, even when injuries are non-fatal. Injured workers and their families may face unexpected challenges in the aftermath. Taking the right steps can help protect legal rights and preserve important evidence.

1. Call 911 And Seek Medical Attention
   Contact emergency services immediately to ensure anyone injured receives prompt medical care. Even injuries that seem minor should be evaluated to rule out hidden conditions.
2. Document The Scene And Injuries
   If it is safe, take photographs of the accident scene, equipment involved, and any visible injuries. This documentation can be valuable for insurance and legal purposes.
3. Collect Witness Information
   Gather names and contact details of any witnesses. Their statements may help clarify the circumstances surrounding the accident.
4. Consult Workplace Accident Lawyers
   Accident attorneys in Kern County can explain possible legal options, assist with insurance communications, and help preserve time-sensitive evidence. Early legal guidance may help ensure that workers’ and families’ rights are protected and that the case is handled appropriately.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Workplace Accident Statistics

In 2022, there were 5,486 work-related deaths in the United States, a 5.7 percent increase from 2021. On average, this means one worker died every 96 minutes due to a work-related injury, compared with one death every 101 minutes in 2021.

The leading cause of fatal workplace injuries was transportation incidents, accounting for 37.7 percent of all deaths. In total, 2,066 workers died from transportation-related accidents, a 4.2 percent increase from the previous year.

Falls, slips, and trips were the second most common cause of workplace fatalities. In 2022, these incidents caused 865 deaths, up 1.8 percent from 2021. Most of these, about 81 percent or 700 deaths, were due to falls to lower levels, up from 680 deaths in 2021.

These numbers highlight the ongoing risks in U.S. workplaces and underscore the importance of safety measures to prevent injuries and fatalities.