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
The Doan Law Firm Attorney Fee Promise
The Doan Law Firm makes an attorney fee pledge to you. Our firm never
charges an attorney fee unless we win for you.