More U.S. gas explosions traced to aging iron pipelines
A few weeks ago, we discussed the growing problem of the aging pipeline infrastructure that runs across Missouri, Illinois, and the rest of the United States. Unfortunately, the problem with these old pipelines leading to deadly gas explosions seems to be growing rather than shrinking. In March, a fatal blast in another state resulted in death to eight victims. Officials believe that the gas explosion was triggered by an outdated iron pipeline. Unfortunately, this is only one tragic incident in a long list of such fires and explosions.
Our nation has at least 30,000 miles of these aging iron lines piping gas throughout its towns and cities. The natural gas that travels through these pipelines is, of course, extremely volatile. Add the explosive nature of gas to old iron pipes which are given to leaks, and it adds up to catastrophic accidents just waiting to happen.
Take, for instance, a Boston gas leak which occurred in April. Officials have not yet determined the source of the gas leak, but it resulted in a dangerous explosion that seriously injured two victims and sent at least 10 others seeking medical treatment from area hospitals. Another Massachusetts gas explosion back in 2009 caused serious burn injuries to a police officer, claimed the life of his dog, and destroyed his house. According to investigators, that serious explosion could be pinpointed to an old, cast-iron distribution line which had an established pattern of leaking. The pipeline had been installed back in 1922. Despite its recent history of gas leaks, however, the utility company in charge of the line did not take steps to replace it.
The injured police officer ultimately sued that gas company, and settled for an amount somewhere between $250,000 and $500,000. This financial compensation has allowed him to pay off his mortgage and will help with his retirement costs. However, it will never replace the house that he lost, which had been built by his grandfather, and it cannot return his beloved dog. What he truly hopes to see come out of financial awards or settlements like his is for utility companies to become more proactive in replacing old pipelines, rather than trying to save money in the short-term at the long-term expense of innocent victims.
Many utility companies claim that replacing these old pipelines is a huge, and expensive, undertaking. While that may be true, it doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t be held liable for leaks, fires, and explosions that are caused by their aging infrastructure. Innocent victims should not have to pay the price for any company’s failure to properly maintain or upgrade pipelines that are known to leak, or which are otherwise dangerous.
My St. Louis personal injury law firm prides itself on helping the victims of fires and explosions caused by the negligence of others. If you have been injured or lost someone in one of these dangerous gas explosions, please call us toll-free at 1-888-586-7041 to set up a no-cost initial consultation. We can discuss the facts of your case and how you may be able to use personal injury or wrongful death laws to obtain the financial restitution you need to move on after this type of tragedy.
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Source: “Gas Explosions Appear Inevitable, Given State of Pipes Replacing Some Decrepit Iron Lines Could Take Until 2050” by Cassandra Sweet, The Wall Street Journal.