Multiple Injured in North Dakota Oil Rig Incident

Workover rig tipped over at Continental Resources site north of Watford City

Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:49am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a collection of polished, geometric metal and glass objects arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background, conceptually representing the abstract risks and hazards of oil and gas operations.A conceptual still life capturing the inherent dangers of oil and gas work through a minimalist arrangement of industrial materials.Watford City Today

Several people were injured in an incident at an oil well site north of Watford City, North Dakota on Tuesday. Emergency crews responded to the Continental Resources OW Durham 6-2H1 well site around 11:44 a.m. after the workover rig reportedly tipped over, though there was no active fire. The conditions of the three injured individuals were not immediately available, and the cause of the incident remains under investigation.

Why it matters

Oil and gas operations in the Bakken region of North Dakota have seen a number of serious incidents over the years, raising ongoing concerns about worker safety and environmental risks. This latest incident highlights the hazardous nature of oilfield work and the need for continued vigilance around safety protocols and emergency response procedures.

The details

According to the McKenzie County Sheriff's Office, the incident occurred at the Continental Resources OW Durham 6-2H1 well site, located approximately four miles north of Watford City. The workover rig, which is used to perform maintenance on an existing oil well, reportedly tipped over, though the exact cause is still under investigation. Three people were injured in the incident, though their conditions were not immediately available.

  • The incident occurred on Tuesday, March 7, 2026 around 11:44 a.m.

The players

Continental Resources

A major oil and gas exploration and production company operating in the Bakken region of North Dakota.

McKenzie County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency responsible for responding to the incident and investigating the cause.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The McKenzie County Sheriff's Office is continuing to investigate the cause of the workover rig incident.

The takeaway

This latest oil and gas incident in North Dakota's Bakken region underscores the ongoing safety challenges faced by workers in the industry and the need for rigorous safety protocols and emergency response procedures to protect both employees and the surrounding community.