On April 20, 2010, the Deepwater Horizon offshore drilling rig exploded in the Gulf of Mexico. The blast killed 11 workers and triggered a massive oil spill from a damaged well. For months, crude oil flowed into the Gulf, harming marine life, fisheries, and coastal communities. The disaster led to billions of dollars in cleanup costs and legal settlements. It highlighted safety and oversight problems in offshore drilling operations. The event spurred new regulations and renewed debate about energy policy and environmental protection in the United States.
