Investigators Probe Cause Of Deadly Pipeline Blast

摘要

State and federal investigators are trying to determine who is responsible for a communication breakdown that led to a fatal gas pipeline explosion on Nov. 9, further delaying an already controversial $24.5-million water project in San Francisco's East Bay. Emergency crews believe an excavator trenching a 69-in.-dia East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) water line struck a 10-in.-dia petroleum line, releasing jet fuel fumes. Authorities do not know if the explosion was spontaneous as highly pressurized, flammable liquid mixed with air or was caused by a welder's spark in the water pipe 40 ft away. The blast killed five, hospitalized four others with burns and destroyed a house. The victims were employees of the contractor, Liver-more-based Mountain Cascade Inc., and subcontractor, Matamoros Welding, Alamo.