Rig Crew Acts Fast to Save the Rig from Potential Blowout

During routine drilling operations, the rig crew encountered a sudden and dangerous kick—a rapid influx of formation gas into the wellbore. Within moments, pressures began to rise, and the situation escalated into a high-risk scenario.

Thanks to their training and quick thinking, the crew immediately sprang into action. They recognized the kick early and moved fast to stab the TIW (Threaded-In Wellhead) valve onto the top of the drill string. The driller and the floorman worked together under extreme pressure—both literal and psychological.

With gas rushing up the pipe, the man on the iron wrench knew he had seconds to act. Every movement counted. The heat, the noise, and the hiss of gas escaping created a scene of urgency and danger. Still, with full focus, he torqued the valve shut. The TIW valve was successfully closed, stopping the gas flow and bringing the well under control.

No fire. No explosion. No injuries.

Just a highly trained crew who kept their heads and relied on procedures, experience, and trust in one another. This incident is a reminder of the importance of well control training, kick detection, and keeping calm under pressure.

The rig didn’t burn down that day—because the crew knew what to do.