Friday, July 24, 2015

Old abandoned copper pipe corrosion created hydrogen gas that its ignition likely caused Rhode Island beach explosion


Posted: Jul 24, 2015 3:40 PM Updated: Jul 24, 2015 3:40 PM
NARRAGANSETT, R.I. (WHDH) - 

Scientists have concluded that combustion of built-up hydrogen gas in beach sand from an abandoned copper cable caused the explosion at the Salty Brine beach in Rhode Island  on July 11.

In a statement, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management said oceanographer Dr. Arthur Spivack made the conclusion. 

The U.S. Coast Guard previously used the cable, according to RIDEM. 

Since the explosion, the DEM has removed the cable and made sure the beach is safe, according to the statement. 

The explosion injured a woman.