Massachusetts Gas Explosions Were Caused by Over-Pressurized Pipes, Authorities Say
Last week, a series of gas explosions rocked several communities north of Boston, starting at least 60 fires, killing one 18-year-old man, and leaving several injured. The National Transportation Safety Board now says the explosions and fires were caused by too much pressure in the pipes, which are owned by Columbia Gas, according to the Wall Street Journal.
From the Journal:
The NTSB, which investigates major pipeline accidents as well as transportation incidents, believes that gas flowed into homes at “significantly greater” rates and pressure than it was supposed to, Mr. Sumwalt said. “The real question for this investigation is to answer why this occurred,” he said.
Columbia Gas, the local utility, was in the process of replacing cast iron pipes with plastic pipes. NTSB is now investigating whether their construction played a role.