More Workers Killed, Injured In Second Texas Natural Gas Pipeline Blast

On June 8th, a fatal natural gas pipeline explosion in Texas marked the second in as many days, as two men were killed in a remote part of the Texas Panhandle.  The accident occurred near the rural town of Darrouzett, close to the Texas-Oklahoma border.

In addition to the two deaths from the blast, at least three other workers were injured, with one person being transported by helicopter to a hospital in Oklahoma City.

Media reports indicate that the workers accidentally hit an underground gas pipeline with a bulldozer while removing caliche from a pit.  The work was being performed for a dirt-contracting company; caliche is a common ingredient used in construction cement, and is found in abundance in northern Texas on the Staked Plains.

As in the case of previous day's explosion southwest of Dallas, questions remain as to whether the crew was properly informed of the gas line's position, and whether the gas line itself was properly referenced on site maps and marked with warning signs on the ground.

Once again, experienced industrial accident attorneys will be a valuable resource to aid those who were harmed in the natural gas pipeline explosion.

Arnold & Itkin LLP stands ready to help if you or a family member has suffered a serious injury due to a catastrophic event.  Call toll free at (866) 222-2606 or contact us online.  We will arrange for a free consultation and provide a candid evaluation of your claim.

 

Texas Natural Gas Explosion Kills Utility Worker, Injures Others

Officials continue to investigate the circumstances that led to a tremendous natural gas explosion in northern Texas on June 7.  The explosion left one person dead and injured several others.

 

Those killed and injured were part of a work crew assigned to dig holes for the installation of utility poles.  They were digging for subcontractor C&H Power Line Construction Services, which in turn was hired by the Brazos Electric Cooperative.

 

Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) representatives arrived early at the scene of the fatal accident, and other federal agency officials are expected to investigate, as well. 

 

The blast, some 50 miles southwest of Dallas in rural Johnson County, erupted when the workers struck a 36-inch underground natural gas pipeline during their digging operations.  What remains to be learned is why the crew were either unaware of the pipeline or mistaken as to its location, and whether the pipeline was properly marked to warn of its presence.

 

Nearby residents reported that they heard an initial, huge explosion, followed by a continuing roar, presumably generated by the rush of burning natural gas escaping from the breached pipeline.  In the meantime, tremendous gouts of flame could be seen shooting skyward out of the ground.

 

The worker who was killed was 45 year-old James Robert Neese, of Ramona, Oklahoma.  Authorities report that his body was found some 600 feet away from the blast site.  Current information indicates that seven other members of the utility crew were transported to nearby hospitals.  Some were later released, while others remained hospitalized in the explosion's immediate aftermath.

 

According to media reports, pipeline owner Enterprise Products Partners LP, of Houston, promptly detected the break in the 36-inch pipeline.  Automatic valves shut off the gas flow, allowing the fire to burn out some two hours later.  Until the fire was extinguished, emergency responders were unable to approach the area due to the intense heat.

 

The area where the blast occurred is a major petroleum drilling region, one criss-crossed by a substantial network of intrastate pipelines.  According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Texas has some 45,000 intrastate natural gas pipeline miles, more than any other state.  Including interstate natural gas pipelines, the figure exceeds 58,600 miles.

 

The intrastate network in Texas has experienced significant growth in the past several years due to increased demand for pipeline capacity caused by the rapid development and expansion of natural gas production in the Barnett Shale Formation of north Texas, the EIA says.  The area of the June 7 blast appears to be located within the Barnett Shale Formation zone, although Enterprise Products Partners LP stated to the media that the pipeline at issue carries natural gas from western Texas to users in the eastern part of the state, as opposed to natural gas derived locally.

 

The primary question remains as to who is responsible for the massive explosion and the resulting death and injuries among the utility crew members, as well as any property damage caused by the blast.  Significant concerns will be determining what steps were taken to ensure that the utility crew was properly informed of the location of natural gas pipelines or similar underground utilities prior to their digging operations, and whether the ruptured gas pipeline was properly mapped and marked to alert persons to its subsurface presence.  Resolving those questions could lead to improved methods and procedures, thus enhancing safety for others working in the vicinity of potentially deadly natural gas pipelines.

 

Experienced industrial accident attorneys, with the skills and expertise to evaluate and pursue claims on behalf of injured parties, will be a valuable resource to aid those who were harmed in the natural gas pipeline explosion.

 

If you or a family member has suffered a serious injury due to a catastrophic event, call Arnold & Itkin LLP toll free at (866) 222-2606 or contact us online using the form on this page.

Arnold & Itkin LLP personal injury attorneys obtain $540,000 judgment on behalf of Plaintiff in injured in car accident

Arnold & Itkin LLP personal injury attorneys Mike Pierce and Paul Skrabanek obtained a $540,000 judgment on behalf of a Plaintiff involved in a car accident. The case arose out of a rear end collision in Houston, Texas. The Defendant driver worked for Kilgore Mechanical, and the jury returned a verdict against the driver and Kilgore Mechanical. The Plaintiff suffered a neck injury that required her to undergo surgery.

Houston maritime lawyer Mike Pierce of Arnold & Itkin LLP settles fisherman's back injury case for $650,000

Houston maritime lawyer Mike Pierce of Arnold & Itkin LLP successfully reached a $650,000 settlement on behalf of a crab fisherman injured when a hydraulic system aboard his vessel malfunctioned, causing a crab pot to strike the fishermen. The fisherman suffered nonsurgical injuries to his lower back. The case was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Oregon.

Deckhand with neck injury retains Arnold & Itkin LLP for maritime personal injury lawsuit against Cenac Towing Company LLC

Brad Nelton, a resident of Oklahoma, has retained Arnold & Itkin LLP to represent him in a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Cenac Towing Company, LLC. On March 22, 2009, Mr. Nelton severely injured his neck when Cenac ordered him to perform his work in an unsafe manner and without proper equipment. At the time of his injuries, Mr. Nelton was a deckhand working aboard the M/V MARIE CENAC.

Despite Mr. Nelton's continuing need of medical treatment, Cenac threatened to terminate his maintenance and cure without justification. As a result, Arnold & Itkin LLP brought a lawsuit on Mr. Nelton's behalf in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana.

Arnold & Itkin LLP obtains $600,000 for maritime worker in un-operated neck injury case

Arnold & Itkin LLP maritime lawyers Paul Skrabanek and Kurt Arnold obtained $600,000 on an un-operated neck case. Specifically, the plaintiff was working as a deckhand when he tripped and fell over a large hose lying in the middle of the deck. The plaintiff injured his neck as a result of the fall. The case was settled three months in advance of the trial setting and after only one deposition.

Arnold & Itkin LLP files case on behalf of injured Jones Act seaman against BP and MISWACO in Galveston County

Houston maritime lawyer Kurt Arnold filed a lawsuit on behalf of an injured Jones Act seaman from Cottonport, Louisiana. He was employed by MISWASCO and assigned to BP's THUNDERHORSE off the coast of Texas. He was injured on October 22, 2009 as a result of the decision by BP's order to fill tanks full of solid quick seal. As a result, he was injured and herniated 4 discs in his neck. Arnold & Itkin LLP Jones Act lawyers filed suit on his behalf in Galveston County.

Arnold & Itkin LLP won more than $100 Million in settlements and verdicts for our clients in 2009

In 2009, Arnold & Itkin LLP's trial lawyers continued their proven track record of winning cases. In fact, the firm won more than $100 Million in verdicts and settlements last year. We plan to build on last year's success by continuing to fight for those people who have suffered catastrophic personal injuries or been harmed in bad business deals.

Video Highlight: Business Lawyers - Arnold & Itkin LLP

In a new video released today, the business litigation law firm of Arnold & Itkin LLP addresses the importance of their work and how to choose the right lawyer to represent your business. Trial lawyers Jason Itkin and Kurt Arnold discuss what distinguishes a true trial lawyer and list some of the many types of business litigation matters the firm handles. In the video, you'll also hear from actual clients and learn why they chose Arnold & Itkin LLP to represent their business concerns.

Business litigation attorneys at Arnold & Itkin LLP represent plaintiffs in complex business disputes and victims of serious injury or harm caused by the negligence or misconduct of another person or company.

Toxic and legal fallout from Houston-area plant explosion

At approximately 8:45 a.m. this morning, a massive explosion issuing from the American Acryl plant in Pasadena, TX, rocked the residents of the Houston suburbs of Pasadena, Clear Lake, Seabrook, Bacliff, Dickinson, Friendswood, La Marque, League City, San Leon and Texas City.

Officials in Pasadena and Seabrook ordered residents to remain indoors after it was discovered that the explosion was caused by a tank of toluene – a toxic petroleum byproduct used in the manufacturing of paint, adhesives, and many common household items such as hand lotion and baby diapers.

Although there were some reports of minor burns, at this time it appears as though there were no significant injuries. Company officials said they have accounted for all their employees, although two employees were taken to Memorial Hermann Hospital Southeast as a precaution due to breathing problems. One has since been released.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry, toluene is a central nervous system depressant that can cause severe neurological harm. Although it is colorless, the chemical does have a distinctive, acrid smell. In low to moderate levels, toluene exposure can cause tiredness, confusion, weakness, memory loss, nausea, intoxication, loss of appetite, loss of hearing and color vision loss. These symptoms usually disappear soon after the exposure ends. Higher levels of toluene exposure can affect the kidneys, while prolonged, excessive exposure can cause unconsciousness and even death.

Persons in Seabrook reported a chemical smell permeating the air around 9:40 a.m.

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