One company that operates pipelines in Missouri and other areas of the country is drawing criticism from some due to a succession of explosions over the past several years. At least three of these dangerous pipeline explosions have occurred along Panhandle Eastern Pipeline Company’s 200 Line in Missouri. The first of these explosions occurred in August 2008 not too far from Pilot Grove. The second happened in the vicinity of Hughesville in November 2013, which was only about 40 miles away from where the third explosion took place in October 2014 in Johnson County.
The most recent pipeline explosion fortunately occurred in a rural region and did not endanger any homes. There were also no reports of injuries in the wake of the explosion and fire. The line which was affected was apparently a 22-inch pipeline. Missouri Highway Patrol officials did report that the agency received complaints of brush and trees burning in the vicinity of the explosion.
A spokesperson for Panhandle Eastern claimed that workers successfully shut off the gas and the fire fortunately soon burned itself out. It was not immediately clear just what led to the explosion and fire, although an investigation is reportedly being conducted to determine what factors may have caused or contributed to this fiery incident.
In the November 2013 incident, which we’ve discussed on this blog before, a rupture developed in a 30-inch pipeline and sparked a significant explosion. In fact, the fireball which speared into the sky was seen from as far away as 30 miles, according to some eyewitness accounts. Three homes had to be evacuated due to the explosion, but no injuries were reported.
Unfortunately, this doesn’t mean that any future explosions that occur along Panhandle Eastern pipelines won’t injury innocent people in the future. This is one reason that personal injury and wrongful death laws exist to help injured parties seek financial restitution from the party whose negligence led to their injuries. In cases where it can be proven that a party has a pattern of such negligence, a plaintiff may have an even greater chance of successfully proving their own claims.
Those in Missouri or Illinois who have been injured in pipeline explosions may benefit from calling our St Louis fire and explosion law firm at 1-888-586-7041 to discuss their legal rights. We may be able to help you decide whether a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit is a good idea in your specific situation. Nobody should have to suffer medical or other expenses due to an injury caused through no fault of their own.
Disclaimer: The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.
Sources: http://fox4kc.com/2013/11/29/reported-pipeline-explosion-rocks-parts-of-missouri/ and http://spectrabusters.org/2014/10/14/panhandle-eastern-pipe-line-explosion-centerview-mo-2014-10-13/ and http://www.kshb.com/news/region-missouri/gas-line-explosion-west-of-centerview-mo