Pipeline Accident Report-Piedmont Natural Gas Company Natural Gas Explosion and Fire, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, January 18, 1988

摘要

On January 18, 1988, a natural gas explosion destroyed the building housing the K&W Cafeteria and the lobby of the Sheraton Motor Inn at 380 Knollwood Street, Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Two adjoining motel wings suffered structural damage. Of the four persons in the lobby/cafeteria building at the time of the explosion, three sustained minor injuries. The fourth person sustained a fractured ankle. One motel guest also sustained minor cuts but refused treatment. The National Transportation Safety Board determined that the probable cause of the natural gas explosion was corrosion failure of the gas service pipeline at the north wall of the meter pit. Contributing to the explosion was the placement of the gas meter and piping in a pit that had direct openings into the building's boiler room. Contributing to the corrosion failure of the service line was the failure of the gas company to provide adequate direction and training for its inspectors to recognize conditions that adversely affected gas company equipment.