There was a pipeline explosion at an Enerfin Resources substation in Maysville, Oklahoma on September 11, 2024. According to reports, three workers sustained injuries in the explosion and fire. At the time, the substation was undergoing maintenance. The three injured worked were flown to nearby hospitals for medical care. Additional details have not yet been released.
An explosion at a gas plant substation during general maintenance could be caused by a variety of factors, many of which involve the complex systems and high-voltage equipment present in such facilities. One of the most common causes of such explosions is an electrical fault. Substations are responsible for regulating the flow of electricity, often at extremely high voltages. If there is a fault in the electrical system, such as a short circuit, grounding failure, or insulation breakdown, it can create sparks or arcs that ignite flammable gases in the surrounding area. Since substations handle large amounts of power, even a small electrical malfunction can lead to a catastrophic explosion if not properly managed during maintenance activities.
Another potential cause is improper handling or exposure of flammable gases during maintenance work. Gas plants often have pipelines or equipment that carry or store various gases, and any leaks or improper venting can create dangerous conditions. During maintenance, if workers unintentionally disturb pipelines or fail to detect small leaks, gases can accumulate in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas. If these gases come into contact with a heat source, such as an electrical spark or welding equipment, it could lead to a sudden and powerful explosion. Maintenance procedures must be strictly followed to prevent leaks and ensure that gases are properly contained and vented.
Human error is another significant risk factor during maintenance at a gas plant substation. Maintenance work often involves complex procedures, and a small oversight or deviation from safety protocols can have devastating consequences. For example, if workers fail to de-energize equipment properly or miscalculate pressure levels in gas lines, it can lead to unsafe conditions. Even minor mistakes, such as using the wrong tools or not following lockout/tagout procedures, can cause an unexpected release of energy, triggering an explosion. In high-risk environments like gas plant substations, attention to detail and adherence to strict safety standards are essential to preventing such accidents.
Finally, equipment failure during maintenance could also be a cause of the explosion. Substations are filled with high-voltage transformers, circuit breakers, and other critical components that require regular inspection and upkeep. If any of this equipment is faulty or worn out, maintenance work could unintentionally trigger a failure. For instance, if a circuit breaker malfunctions during routine testing, it could cause an electrical surge, which might ignite flammable gases or fluids. Maintenance work is intended to prevent such failures, but if equipment isn’t properly inspected or maintained, the risk of an explosion increases significantly.
There have been a number of incidents at industrial and manufacturing plants. There was an ammonia leak at the JT Inman manufacturing plant in North Attleborough, Massachusetts on July 30, 2024. There was an ammonia leak at the Cuisine Solutions food plant in Sterling, Virginia on July 30, 2024. There was an explosion at the Evonik Industries Chemical Plant in Theodore, Alabama on August 10, 2024. There was a fire at the Lyondell Basell oil refinery in Houston, Texas on August 29, 2024.
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 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 industrial accident. Please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 or to learn more about your legal rights.