Hell, existing regs weren't being enforced. Those charged with enforcing the regs were bought off, as were the politicians on both sides of the aisle.
Seriously, enforcement/monitoring needs stepped up, and corruption rooted out.
As for preventing this from recurring, I know technology exists to shut off the flow from down in the well. It's expensive, and the industry lobbied against it being mandated.
Well, time to make it a requirement. If it cuts into the ol' profit margin, or bumps the cost of gas a few cents, so be it.