There was a gas pipeline explosion in Beaver County, Oklahoma on January 30, 2024. The explosion sent flames over 500 feet into the air. The Front Range pipeline is operated by DCP Midstream, a subsidiary of Houston, Texas-based Phillips 66.
There have been a number of incidents at industrial and manufacturing plants. Two teenagers were burned in an explosion at an Exxon gas station in Rogers, Texas on January 18, 2024. A contractor was killed after falling from scaffolding at Energy Transfer’s Terminal in Nederland, Texas on January 29, 2024.
Gas pipeline explosions can result from a variety of factors, often involving a combination of mechanical failure, natural forces, and human error. One primary cause is the corrosion of the pipeline material, which weakens the structural integrity of the pipe over time, making it susceptible to leaks and eventual rupture. This deterioration can be accelerated by environmental conditions such as high humidity, saltwater exposure, or soil composition, as well as by the chemical composition of the gas being transported. Another significant cause is physical damage to the pipeline, which can occur through accidental digging or excavation activities, natural disasters like earthquakes or landslides, or even intentional vandalism. Such breaches can lead to the escape of gas, which, when mixed with air in the right proportions, becomes highly explosive upon ignition.
Ignition sources for these leaked gases can be as varied as the causes of the leaks themselves. Simple sparks from metal tools, static electricity, or even a passing vehicle can ignite a gas-air mixture with devastating effects. Additionally, operational errors or a lack of proper maintenance can lead to over-pressurization of the pipeline, further increasing the risk of explosion. Pipelines that are not regularly inspected or that fail to have their pressure-relief systems and corrosion protection measures adequately maintained are at a higher risk of failure. The devastating impact of gas pipeline explosions underscores the critical importance of rigorous safety standards, routine maintenance, and public awareness of the potential dangers associated with gas pipelines, to prevent such catastrophic events.
Those touched by an industrial accident should know their legal rights and remedies, and act quickly to preserve them. Our attorneys have extensive experience in cases involving industrial and plant personal injury and wrongful death, including those caused by equipment malfunctioning. The firm has experience in courts across the country and the skills needed to represent the families of loved ones who have lost their lives or as a result of an explosion, or been seriously injured.
The experienced attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm can help you understand your rights if you or a loved one was a victim of an accident at a plant or refinery. Please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 or to learn more about your legal rights.