The McMillan 24 State number-1 well, located about 12 miles north-west of Carlsbad, New Mexico, was drilling in the Cisco Canyon formation at approximately 8300 feet when the blowout occurred.
Three workers for rig contractor TMBR/Sharp Drilling were injured. One of the three remains hospitalised in Lubbock, Texas, with severe burns over 40% of his body.
Houston-based well control specialist Boots & Coots managed to put out the fire early this week and is preparing to cap the well.
