Fierce Natural Gas Pipeline Explosion Injures Seven in Midland, TX

In so many ways, August 2, 2018, started like any other “regular day” in Midland County, Texas. Just before the noon hour, the Midland Fire Department and the Greenwood Volunteer Fire Department were called to leak involving a natural gas pipeline in the county. About an hour later, a fiery explosion occurred at the scene. The explosion resulted in seven injuries, including two firefighters. Five of the injured individuals were transported to area hospital burn units. One of the injured remains in critical condition. The others who were hospitalized are in serious condition.

What Caused the Midland County Natural Gas Pipeline Explosion?

Once the victims of the blast were evacuated from the scene, and the fire brought under control, seasoned investigators were immediately at work to ascertain the exact cause of the natural gas pipeline explosion. While the investigation is only in the early stages, this much is known. The initial focus of firefighters when called to the scene to investigate a suspected leak was a pipeline owned by Kinder Morgan, Inc. Kinder Morgan is one of the largest energy infrastructure ventures in the United States and Canada. The firm operates natural gas pipelines, like the one involved in the Midland County explosion. Immediate speculation by the investigative team was that the Kinder Morgan pipeline blew. In fact, investigators now think another, nearby pipeline exploded first, then causing the Kinder Morgan conduit to blow. The associated pipeline was owned by another company, Navitas Midstream Partners, LLC. Navitas is a company involved in various aspect of oil and gas services, including natural gas pipeline transport. Investigators have reported that both pipelines were damaged, although they have yet to reach a definitive answer as to which one blew initially. With that said, they are strongly leaning towards the Navitis pipeline going first, igniting the one owned by Kinder Morgan (which may have been leaking).

Oil and Natural Gas Pipelines in Midland County

Underneath the ground in Midland County is a web of oil and natural gas pipelines, crisscrossing one another. In the case of the Kinder Morgan and Navitas pipelines that exploded, these pipelines shared what is known as a common “transit channel.” A transit channel is something of an underground trench or conduit shared by more than one oil or natural gas pipeline. In this case, the transit channel serves five natural gas pipelines, two of which ruptured and exploded. The other three natural gas pipelines may have been damaged in the process, but they do not appear to have ruptured. In any event, all five pipelines were shutdown.

Midland Gas Pipeline Explosion Injuries

Individuals who are injured in an accident like the Midland gas pipeline explosion undoubtedly find themselves with a myriad of questions. The natural gas explosion hotline at (800) 349-0000 is staffed around the clock, seven days a week, 52 weeks a year. The hotline is staffed by individuals who can assist in obtaining answers to questions about legal rights following an explosion like that involving the Midland gas pipeline. Pursuing a claim for compensation following an accident like the Midland gas pipeline explosion can prove highly complicated. As can be seen from the facts already released by investigators, even determining which company or companies bears responsibility for the blast and injuries can be tough. These realities underscore the necessity of consulting with a skilled, tenacious, and experienced pipeline explosion injury lawyer, like a member of the legal team at The Doan Law Firm. The Doan Law Firm is a nationwide law firm, headquartered right here in Texas. Indeed, the firm maintains an office conveniently located in Midland at: The Doan Law Firm 4500 West Illinois Avenue Suite 203 Midland, Texas 79703 (432) 653-0000 You can schedule an initial consultation with a seasoned, compassionate pipeline explosion injury attorney from our firm at a time and place that is convenient for you. In addition to our office in Midland, we’ve offices across the state of Texas and coast to coast in the United States. We can schedule an appointment with you at your home, at the hospital, or even a virtual consultation with you online, depending on your needs. There is no charge for an initial consultation with The Doan Law Firm

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