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A pipeline that runs through your community may seem like a necessary component to fueling the city’s needs. It may be, but there are dangers related to having them present. When a pipeline is poorly maintained or has design flaws, an explosion can occur, resulting in serious injury and loss of life in the surrounding area. Talk to a Houston pipeline explosion attorney today about your case.
Data shows that since 1986, there have been nearly 8,000 incidents, as many as 300 per year on average across the country. These accidents caused the deaths of 500 people and injuries to over 2,300 people. In total, pipeline explosions have caused $7 billion in damage, according to data from 2022. You may not be aware of all the explosions that occur, especially when companies fail to disclose this information.
Take a look at some of the most notable explosions occurring across the country in the last few decades. What you may find is that these accidents are both deadly and environmentally damaging.
In 2010, an explosion occurred in San Bruno, California. The pipeline involved a 30-inch natural gas line operated by PG&E. The incident was found to be caused by a poor repair, including a flawed weld, inadequate pipe wall strength, and a lack of pressure monitoring. This accident caused serious damage to homes throughout the area and led to the death of 58 people.
Another incident took place in Minnesota in 1991. There, Line 3, operated by Enbridge, ruptured. The result of the explosion of the line was more than 1.7 million gallons of crude oil pouring into a sensitive wetland area and into the Prairie River as a result.
The cause of this accident was not fully understood. However, it remains one of the largest oil spills in U.S. history to date.
In Bellingham, Washington, a gas line caught fire in 1999. The incident involved the release of a large amount of gas. As that happened, the gas caught fire. This led to a significant explosion and ultimately the burning of numerous structures in the area.
In this accident, the cause was due to a lack of safety mechanisms in place. A delayed response to the initial release of the case, as well as a ruptured pipe, all contributed to the accident. In this accident, 3 people lost their lives and many others suffered property and physical injury.
A more recent event took place in 2018 in Massachusetts. There, several natural gas explosions occurred. Though the cause was noted as related to poor maintenance and monitoring, the incident caused the death of a person and about 25 others who suffered injuries.
In Natchitoches, Louisiana, a 32-inch natural gas transmission pipeline exploded. This accident was one of the most significant accidents of its time. It caused 17 people to lose their lives.
If you were hurt due to a pipeline explosion, seek out the help of a local and experienced attorney. These are serious cases that may lead to limitations on your future work and quality of life. Hire a legal team that can help you build a strong case.