WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Gas explosion in Fresno in California injured 11 people on Friday afternoon. Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E) said workers who are not affiliated with the company have struck a 12-inch natural gas transmission pipeline and the gas leaked was ignited due to the dig-in.
A fireball of more than 100 feet was created on explosion. The highway 99 was closed on north and south directions.
The company recognised a change in pressure at 2.29 pm and the incident was notified at 2.36 pm. The gas pipeline was immediately shut down, however due to the remaining gas in the pipeline, flames were exhausted at 3.56 pm only.
PG&E said digging into a pipeline can have serious safety consequences and urged all to call 811 before any digging project. It was requested inform at least two working days prior to the digging work
Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX