Workers Burned in North Dakota Rig Explosion File Lawsuit

Three workers burned when the oil rig they were working on in western North Dakota exploded last month have filed a lawsuit against seven companies, saying the companies created hazardous work conditions.

Thirty nine-year-old Jeff Morton, 53-year-old Andrew Rohr and 53-year-old Timothy Bergee had just finished their drilling operations when the oil rig erupted into flames on July 25. Rohr and Bergee remain hospitalized because of their burns. The three men are asking for a jury trial to determine damages.

Representatives for Noble Casing Inc. and MI-SWACO Inc. said they could not comment. Messages seeking comment were left for Continental Resources Inc., Pride Energy Inc., Superior Well Services Inc., Panther Pressure Testers Inc., and Warrior Energy Services Corporation.