Pipeline Explosions

Many people are unaware of the 200,000 miles of underground petroleum pipes that deliver our crude oil and petroleum products to our cities and our homes. Every year, billions of gallons of petroleum are transported from production fields, on to refineries, and further on to factories and distribution centers throughout the country, traveling for thousands of miles. Unfortunately, despite their importance for our economy and livelihood, pipelines present a great safety threat in the event of an explosion.

The grid of pipelines underneath our country carries a wide variety of materials used in production and distribution, most commonly oil and natural gas. Pipelines are the safest and most cost-effective method of delivering these products throughout the United States. However, if a pipeline starts to leak, a devastating explosion can occur.

Causes of Pipeline Leaks

If a pipe has a leak, the gas or petroleum is at risk of coming in contact with a spark or an open flame. If this occurs, the heat source can ignite the gas and cause an explosion. A pipeline may leak for a variety of reasons, including:

• Rupture. A pipeline may rupture due to natural conditions or from human error.
• Corrosion. Most pipelines are coated in a corrosion-resistant material, but this material may chip off over time.
• Vandalism. Some pipeline leaks have been blamed on vandals.
• Punctures. Punctures can occur when residents or construction workers use unsafe digging practices.
• Welding mistakes. Insufficient welding jobs can erode or break over time.

Whether a leak is caused by natural wear or through a human error, contact with a spark or a heat source can cause an explosion.

Contact Us

If you or a loved one has been injured because of a pipeline explosion, contact the pipeline explosion lawyers of Habush Habush & Rottier S.C. ® today at 800-242-2874.