Houston Pipeline Explosion Lawyer
The massive fire ignited when a natural gas pipeline exploded Monday in Deer Park, Texas, continues to burn this morning. Although initial reports indicated no one had been hurt in the Energy Transfer pipeline fire, it now appears that wasn’t the case.
SUV Struck Valve Station, Igniting Energy Transfer Pipeline Explosion
The explosion erupted shortly before 10:00 a.m. at an above-ground valve station in the 8700 block of Spencer Highway. Witnesses reported seeing a giant tower of flames rise from the 20-inch natural gas liquids pipeline just after an SUV drove through a fence and entered its right-of-way. According to media reports, the crash may have caused the line to rupture and explode.
Four people were injured in connection with the Energy Transfer pipeline explosion, two as a result of the fire, while two others suffered heat-related issues. It’s unclear if all were first responders, but La Porte officials confirmed that a Pasadena Fire Department employee was injured “on an issue adjacent to the main issue.”
100 Homes in Brookglen Neighborhood Evacuated
Clouds of black smoke hovered over Deer Park and La Port throughout the day on Monday, prompting evacuation orders affecting about 100 homes in the Brookglen neighborhood.
According to the La Porte Independent School District, students at Heritage Elementary School were kept inside on Monday, and all outdoor activities were canceled. Deer Park Independent School District also canceled outdoor activities, while students at the San Jacinto College Central Campus were urged to shelter in place. All of the schools are scheduled to be open today.
Over 5,000 CenterPoint Energy customers were without power in the immediate aftermath of the Energy Transfer pipeline fire. However, that number fell to around 1,600 by midday.
4-5 Homes Damaged in Energy Transfer Pipeline Fire
Flames from the Energy Transfer pipeline fire spread rapidly on Monday, igniting smaller grass fires that crews worked to keep under control.
Jamie Galloway, emergency services director for Deer Park, told ABC 7 that four or five homes had been damaged from radiant heat emitted by the blaze. Video taken by local media showed damage to a nearby playground, and fire crews could be seen pouring water on several houses.
By yesterday afternoon, Energy Transfer had reported that the pipeline was isolated and that “residual product” was being allowed to burn itself out. As of this morning, the fire was active but reducing. So far, officials have not provided any estimate as to when the last of the gas might be burned off.
Energy Transfer’s History of Pipeline Accidents and Violations
Energy Transfer operates tens of thousands of miles of pipeline across the United States, including the infamous Dakota Access Pipeline. Unfortunately, yesterday’s explosion was not the first incident involving Energy Transfer’s operations.
According to a Texas Railroad Commission database reviewed by Click2Houston, eight accidents involving Energy Transfer pipelines have occurred in Texas this year. While no deaths or injuries were reported in connection with those incidents, they caused roughly $1.4 million in damage to equipment and infrastructure.
In July 2022, another massive Energy Transfer pipeline explosion and fire prompted evacuations in Fort Bend County. However, unlike yesterday’s incident in La Porte, crews were able to contain that blaze within an hour of its eruption.
Energy Transfer pipeline accidents also aren’t limited to Texas. From 2010 through 2017, its Sunoco subsidiary ranked third on the list of pipeline companies with the most federally reported incidents. During the same period, pipelines operated by Energy Transfer and its affiliates released more than 41,000 barrels of hazardous liquids at sites throughout the United States. Property damage associated with those spills exceeded $100 million.
Energy Transfer also has a history of pipeline violations.
Most recently, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office brokered a $10 million plea agreement with Energy Transfer to resolve allegations involving repeated contamination of waterways, failure to report environmental damage, and the use of unapproved chemicals in drilling fluid. As part of the agreement, the company pled no contest to 48 criminal charges related to the construction of its Mariner East and Revolution pipeline projects.
Undefeated Houston Explosion Lawyers With Billions Won: Call 1-888-603-3636 for a Free Consult
Our Undefeated Houston Explosion Lawyers continue to closely monitor unfolding developments related to the Energy Transfer pipeline fire in La Porte and will post additional updates as new information becomes available.
Having won Billions, including the largest verdicts and settlements in connection with the worst pipeline explosions and industrial disasters in recent history, our Texas explosion lawyers have the resources and experience to ensure our clients and their families receive the maximum compensation possible for all their injuries and losses.
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