Leaking flex line of a gas stove causes gas explosion and fire in El Cajon apartment, injuring two people

Possible Gas Explosion Rattles El Cajon Apt. Complex, Injures 2
A 74-year-old man and a 61-year-old woman suffered burns in the first and second degrees, officials said.
By Rafael Avitabile and R. Stickney
August 1, 2018

A stove at an El Cajon apartment complex caused an explosion Wednesday that echoed through an entire community and sent two people to the hospital with burn wounds, officials said.

Residents of the complex on Lincoln Avenue reported the blast just before 8 p.m. One witness said when they ran outside to see what happened, they saw shattered glass in the parking lot and smoke and flames coming from the downstairs unit.

"I just heard a big bang, all the fire and glass coming towards me -- I got cut on my arm, and I stepped on glass while I was getting out the pool," a witness said.

Other witnesses told NBC 7 they could smell gas in the area shortly before the explosion.


Personnel from multiple fire and law enforcement agencies responded to the incident. A Heartland Fire Department official said the majority of the flames were extinguished by the time they arrived.

A couple was taken to UC San Diego Medical Center with burn injuries, the official also said.

The 74-year-old man suffered first and second-degree burns over 25 to 30 percent of his body, according to Heartland Fire-Rescue spokesperson Capt. Sonny Saghera.


A 61-year-old woman suffered second-degree burns over 30 percent of her body, he said.

Emergency responders shut off gas and electricity to the building while they investigated what caused the boom.

Residents were evacuated until crews could finish their investigation and determine that there was no structural damage.


El Cajon police shut down Lincoln Avenue between Main Street and Lexington.

On Thursday, Saghera said officials believe the stove caused the explosion. It was not a natural gas leak in that there was not a broken underground pipe, Saghera said.

The manager of the apartment complex told NBC 7 Thursday that fire investigators told her a "flex line" that connects the stove to the wall was worn out and led tot eh explosion.

She said she will likely replace most if not all of the stoves in the complex because they are roughly 10 years old.

The manager and a handyman spent Thursday going door to door and checking the stoves in the units.

Greenlee Marie, 10, electrocuted to death while trying to get kittens from behind a dryer in New Boston, Texas

Girl electrocuted while trying to get kittens from behind dryer

By Eric Pointer, Digital Content Producer/ReporterCONNECT By Curtis Heyen, Digital Content ProducerCONNECT
July 10, 2018


NEW BOSTON, TX (KSLA) - A 10-year-old East Texas girl died tragically over the weekend.

Now police and AEP/SWEPCO crews are trying to determine how she apparently was electrocuted Saturday afternoon.

It happened as Greenlee Marie was trying to rescue her kittens from behind a clothes dryer in her home on U.S. Highway 82, the child's parents said.

"She loved her babies. And she would do anything for them," Shelby Roos said of her daughter and her kittens.

"I know she is up there right now with all of her babies."

Roos and Scott Hendrix said they plan to set up a fund in Greenlee Marie's name to which people can donate to help a local rescue care for orphaned animals.

Investigators were back Monday at the home that Roos and Hendrix have been renting for about 15 months.

Authorities have not yet said what they think was the cause of the electrocution.

"It is too early right now to go ahead and place blame and responsibility until the investigation is over," New Boston Police Chief Gary McCrary said.

The child's body has been sent to Dallas for an autopsy.

====================

NEW BOSTON, TX (KSLA) -

Authorities on Wednesday turned over the results of their investigation into the electrocution of a 10-year-old girl at her home in East Texas.
Greenlee Marie died the afternoon of July 7 while trying to rescue her kittens from behind a clothes dryer in the residence on U.S. Highway 82 at New Boston, the child's parents have said.
Investigators were back at the house Monday.

Bowie County Fire Marshal Scottie Taylor said it now will be up to a grand jury to decide whether to indict anyone.
Authorities have identified Loe's Rentals LLC, of DeKalb, Texas, as the owner of the property.
No charge has been filed in connection with the child's death.

Maryann Mullica, 69 and Evelyn Miller, 78, died after a dump truck T-bones an SUV on Route 130 in Burlington County, New Jersey

Second passenger dies after dump truck, SUV collide in Burlington County



Thursday, August 02, 2018 04:50PM
BURLINGTON COUNTY (WPVI) -- Police in Burlington County say a terrible crash on Tuesday has now claimed a second life.

As Action News told you earlier this week, a dump truck slammed into a van on Route 130 in Burlington.

The driver, 55-year-old Lisa Burdett of Pennsauken, was seriously hurt.

Her 69-year-old passenger, Maryann Mullica, was pronounced dead at the hospital that same day.

Another passenger, 78-year-old Evelyn Miller, died yesterday.

Both Mullica and Miller were from Burlington.

The driver of the dump truck was not hurt.

His identity is being withheld, pending investigation.

===========================

Tuesday, July 31, 201

BURLINGTON, N.J. (WPVI) --

At least one person is dead following a violent crash involving a SUV and a dump truck in Burlington County.

It happened just before 11 a.m. Tuesday in the northbound lanes of Route 130 at Jones Street in Burlington.

A dump truck slammed into a SUV, leaving the driver and a passenger with serious injuries.

Another passenger in the SUV was killed.

The driver of the dump truck wasn't hurt.

The accident is still under investigation.

==================================




Two Burlington City women have been identified as the victims killed in the serious crash on Route 130 and Columbus Road in Burlington City Tuesday afternoon.

Maryann Mullica, 69, and Evelyn Miller, 78, were killed in an accident involving a dump truck and a caravan in Burlington City, police said on Thursday. They were both passengers in the caravan, which was driven by 55-year-old Lisa Burdett, of Pennsauken, according to police.


The accident occurred at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 31. Mullica was transported from the scene to Lourdes Medical Center, Willingboro Campus, and was pronounced dead a short time later.

Miller was transported from the scene to Capital Health Regional Medical Center, Helene Fuld Campus, and died the next morning.


Burdett was also transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center, Helene Fuld Campus, and was in stable condition Thursday afternoon.


The driver of the dump truck, who has not been identified by police, was not injured, remained on the scene, and was cooperative with investigators, police said. No one has been charged in connection with the accident as of Thursday.

Investigators are awaiting test results, reviewing videos, and analyzing evidence. Anyone who may have witnessed the accident is asked to contact the City of Burlington Police Department, Traffic Unit Supervisor, Sgt. David Matthews at 609-386-0262, ext. 232.

Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health issued two citations and $51,200 in penalties to M&K Home Improvement for exposing workers to fall hazards.

Tennessee Fines Contractor for Exposing Workers to Fall Hazards

Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health issued two citations and $51,200 in penalties to M&K Home Improvement for exposing workers to fall hazards. Inspectors concluded that the company failed to train workers on fall hazards and fall protection, and did not provide required guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems.

Maryland Occupational Safety and Health issued 26 citations and $82,800 in penalties to Stulz Air Technology Systems, Inc., for exposing workers to multiple safety hazards.

Maryland Cites Contractor for Electrical and Machine Guarding Violations



Maryland Occupational Safety and Health issued 26 citations and $82,800 in penalties to Stulz Air Technology Systems, Inc., for exposing workers to multiple safety hazards. The company failed to train workers on the control of hazardous energy, ensure workers wore required protective clothing when testing energized equipment, and install guards on punch presses and press brakes.

U.S. Department of Labor Seeks Comments on Proposal Regarding Railroad Construction Equipment in Cranes and Derricks Construction Standard

U.S. Department of Labor
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Office of Communications
Washington, D.C.
www.osha.gov
For Immediate Release

July 18, 2018
Contact: Office of Communications
Phone: 202-693-1999

U.S. Department of Labor Seeks Comments on Proposal Regarding
Railroad Construction Equipment in Cranes and Derricks
Construction Standard

WASHINGTON, DC –

Pursuant to a settlement agreement from September 2014 between the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Association of American Railroads (AAR), OSHA today published a proposed rule regarding railroad construction equipment provisions in the Cranes and Derricks in Construction standard. OSHA’s proposal will maintain safety and health protections for workers, and address employers’ compliance burdens.

The final rule for Cranes and Derricks in Construction was published August 9, 2010. AAR filed a petition challenging certain requirements affecting railroad roadway work equipment. OSHA and AAR negotiated a settlement agreement that requires OSHA to propose a rule that will provide clarifications and exemptions affecting work on or along railroad tracks.

Comments to the proposed rule can be submitted electronically at http://www.regulations.gov, the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Comments may also be submitted by mail or facsimile. See the Federal Register notice for details. Submissions must be received by September 17, 2018.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to help ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.

The Department of Labor Proposes Rule to Better Protect Personally Identifiable Information

U.S. Department of Labor
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Office of Communications
Washington, D.C.
www.osha.gov
For Immediate Release

July 27, 2018
Contact: Office of Communications
Phone: 202-693-1999

The Department of Labor Proposes Rule to Better Protect
Personally Identifiable Information

WASHINGTON, DC – 

The Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to better protect personally identifiable information or data that could be re-identified with a particular individual by removing provisions of the "Improve Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses" rule. OSHA believes this proposal maintains safety and health protections for workers, protects privacy and reduces the burdens of complying with the current rule.

The proposed rule eliminates the requirement to electronically submit information from OSHA Form 300 (Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses), and OSHA Form 301 (Injury and Illness Incident Report) for establishments with 250 or more employees that are currently required to maintain injury and illness records. These establishments would be required to electronically submit information only from OSHA Form 300A (Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses).

Under the current recordkeeping rule, the deadline for electronic submission of Calendar Year (CY) 2017 information from OSHA Forms 300 and 301 was July 1, 2018. In subsequent years, the deadline is March 2. OSHA is not currently accepting the Form 300 or 301 data and will not enforce the deadlines for these two forms without further notice while this rulemaking is underway. The electronic portal collecting Form 300A data is accepting CY 2017 data, although submissions after July 1, 2018, will be marked late.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to help ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.

An explosion late Tuesday night rocked Catalyst Chemical, 12030 E. Highway 158 in Odessa, damaging 20 vehicles and causing 14,000 gallons of chemicals to spill

20 vehicles damaged in Odessa explosion

Midland Reporter-Telegram

Wednesday, August 1, 2018


An explosion late Tuesday night rocked Catalyst Chemical, 12030 E. Highway 158 in Odessa, according to an email from the Odessa Police Department’s public information officer.

The investigation revealed that a fire caused damage to approximately 20 vehicles, including tractor trailers and rigs, said Cpl. Steve LeSueur in an email. About 40 totes of chemicals were destroyed, causing 13,000 to 14,000 gallons to spill.

The responding agencies were Odessa Fire Rescue, Ector County Sheriff’s Office, Ector County Environmental Enforcement, Midland Fire Department, Goldsmith Volunteer Fire Department and Gardendale Volunteer Fire Department.

The cause of the fire was unknown as of Wednesday afternoon. There were no injuries reported.

Two female employees have been injured in a chemical incident at Sanofi laboratory in Waterford, Ireland

Sanofi Waterford 
The Sanofi Industrial Affairs site in Ireland’s oldest city has grown steadily since 2001 and continued expansion is bringing new products and platforms to Waterford. We hold a HPRA manufacturing licence and produce, test and distribute products for patients worldwide in compliance with European, North and South American and Asian regulatory bodies. From Waterford, products are shipped across the globe and patient-centricity has always marked out the Waterford team.

With diverse capabilities across Oral Dose, Lyophilisation and Medical Devices at a single location, the operation has been recognised with multiple national awards – most recently being named in 2017 as Biotechnology Company of the Year; Pharma Industry Company of the Year and Life Sciences Exporter of the Year.
===========================
Two injured in chemical incident at Waterford laboratory
One female employee understood to be in serious condition after Sanofi lab incident

August 1, 2018


Jack Power
 
Sanofi said two members of its Waterford site team were injured and brought by ambulance to University Hospital Waterford. Photograph: Charles Platiau/Reuters



Two female employees have been injured in a chemical incident at Sanofi laboratory in Waterford, that occurred on Wednesday afternoon.

At approximately 11.20am a chemical incident occurred at the laboratory, and the emergency services were called to the site.

“Two members of the Waterford site team were injured and brought by ambulance to University Hospital Waterford,” a spokesman for Sanofi labs said.

One of the staff members was admitted for treatment, and the other employee was discharged after a precautionary examination.

It is understood the employee still in hospital was in a serious condition, and may need to be transferred to another hospital in the coming days.

“The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) have also been informed in line with established protocols and a thorough investigation will be conducted,” the spokesman said.

Sanofi are a pharmaceutical manufacturing lab, who also have an office based in Dublin.

A spokesman for the HSA said the agency, which inspects workplace related accidents and injuries, was aware of the incident and would be carrying out an investigation.

“We don’t have any details as to what exactly happened as we have not gone onto the site yet,” the spokesman said.

“Emergency services are currently on site and supervising so we will have to wait to get the all-clear from them before we send inspectors on.”

The HSA expect to send inspectors onto the site on Wednesday night, or Thursday morning.

OSHA has cited Merritt Bros. Lumber Company Inc. for exposing employees to multiple workplace safety hazards at its Athol facility. The Athol, Idaho-based company is facing $189,221 in proposed penalties.

August 2, 2018

U.S. Department of Labor Cites Idaho Lumber Company
For Exposing Employees to Safety Hazards

ATHOL, ID – 

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Merritt Bros. Lumber Company Inc. for exposing employees to multiple workplace safety hazards at its Athol facility. The Athol, Idaho-based company is facing $189,221 in proposed penalties.

OSHA cited the company for failing to use machine guards on trim saws and conveyors, install handrails on stairways and walkways, use lockout/tagout procedures to control hazardous energy, and train employees on hazardous chemicals. OSHA also cited the company for allowing sawdust and other combustible materials to accumulate.

"This employer's repeated failure to correct known safety hazards is putting their employees at risk for serious, and potentially fatal, injuries," said OSHA Boise Area Office Director David Kearns.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to help ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education, and assistance. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.

Merritt Brothers Lumber Company

As of April 10th, 2018 Idaho Forest Group acquired the Merritt Brothers Finger Joint mill located at 5400 highway 54 Athol Idaho 83801. Please direct any site specific inquiries to Idaho forest group www.idfg.com

Idaho Forest Group was formed in 2008 when two regional timber interests – Riley Creek Lumber and Bennett Forest Industries – combined their resources. The company continues to invest in new facilities, technology and manpower.
From its Coeur d’Alene, Idaho headquarters, the closely held, family-owned company continues to be “Idaho Grown.” The company founders hold high standards when it comes to product, process and company objectives.
This is a healthy, growing company – big enough for its national and international markets, but with hometown ethics and pride in a job well done. Excellence is the goal in caring for natural resources, employees and customers.

CALINFERNO: fire season is just getting underway and more destructive blazes can be expected in coming months because of the years-long drought and hotter, drier weather

The deadly fires prompted President Donald Trump to declare a federal emergency to allow for more resources in the state.

SHASTA COUNTY, CA -- 

A deadly wildfire in Northern California grew further Tuesday to more than 112,000 acres, destroying more than 1,200 structures and forcing the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents.

The Carr Fire, which ignited July 23 in Whiskeytown before making its way to Redding then to Trinity County, claimed the lives of six people, two of whom were firefighters, with more than a dozen others reported missing.

As of Tuesday evening, the fire was just 30 percent contained and threatened another 2,500 structures. Fire officials said another 169 homes, five commercial buildings and 51 outbuildings were damaged in the blaze.


The fire was one of several to erupt in California in recent days as thousands of personnel from across the U.S. worked to contain the blaze. The deadly fires prompted President Donald Trump to declare a federal emergency to allow for more resources in the state.

=========================
 
Carr Fire now 6th most destructive in California history. More than 1,000 homes gone

By Sam Stanton

sstanton@sacbee.com


August 01, 2018 10:06 AM

Updated August 01, 2018 07:26 PM




The Carr Fire near Redding is now the sixth most destructive blaze in California history, having burned 121,049 acres — nearly 190 square miles — destroyed 1,058 homes and killed at least six people.

The wildfire that erupted July 23 near Whiskeytown in Shasta County was only 35 percent contained as of Wednesday morning and still threatened more than 1,658 structures as it continued to burn west into Trinity County.

“The western edge of the fire continued to challenge crews (Tuesday) evening,” Cal Fire said in its latest update. “Steep terrain, erratic winds and previously unburned fuels are contributing to spot fire potential.”

More than 4,271 firefighting personnel, 369 engines and 17 helicopters are fighting the blaze, which has now burned an area three times the size of Redding’s city limits.

Despite its size, firefighters have managed over the past several days to halt its advance toward Redding, where the fire jumped the Sacramento River last Thursday night and roared into subdivisions on the western edge of town.

Officials on Wednesday made their most optimistic comments to date about their progress.

“Things are looking good for us,” Cal Fire Deputy Chief Brett Gouvea said. “We still have quite a bit of work to do out on the lines...

“Today is day 10, and just look where we’ve come in the last nine days. Things are coming a lot better. Last week, things were coming terribly.”

One firefighter, a bulldozer driver, a 70-year-old woman and her two great-grandchildren were killed, as well as another adult who had refused to evacuate, authorities say.

Shasta County Sheriff Tom Bosenko said that authorities had received initial reports of 60 people missing but that by Wednesday afternoon all had been accounted for.

“As of this point we have no missing persons outstanding,” Bosenko said, adding that the missing persons hotline that was established has been shut down.

Cal Fire says the blaze was started by the “mechanical failure” of a vehicle but has not released further details.



The most destructive fire in state history was last October’s Tubbs Fire in Sonoma, which destroyed 5,636 structures and killed 22 people as it roared through 36,807 acres.
 
Across California, more than 13,000 firefighters are battling 16 major blazes that have burned more than 320,000 acres - more than 500 square miles - and 32,000 residents remain evacuated from their homes, Cal Fire Director Ken Pimlott said Wednesday at a briefing at the state Office of Emergency Services.

As a sign of how perilous conditions are, three wildfires erupted in the capital region Wednesday afternoon that forced residents to flee from two rural areas.

Evacuations were ordered in El Dorado County for the Bumper Fire southwest of Diamond Springs, a blaze initially reported at 17 acres, and within minutes authorities ordered evacuations for the Omega Fire near Pilot Hill, where 25 acres were burning.

A third fire, the Sunset Fire northwest of Roseville, had consumed 1,000 acres Wednesday afternoon but there were no immediate reports of evacuations and the blaze was reported at 50 percent containment.

Officials emphasized that fire season is just getting underway and that more destructive blazes can be expected in coming months because of the years-long drought and hotter, drier weather.

“We are routinely now seeing fires reach 100,000 acres several times in one month, in July,” Pimlott said. “So we have a long way to go in this fire season.”

Pimlott said Cal Fire is bringing back seasonal firefighters to help bolster its resources, and officials said firefighters are streaming into California to help from 17 other states, including Maine and Florida.

The California National Guard also is assisting with 1,200 personnel, and National Guard troops from Nevada and New Mexico are assisting on the California fires.

Gov. Jerry Brown cautioned that the fire season California is experiencing is unlike those of past years.

“Some of this is unprecedented, and we’re learning as we go,” Brown said. “But we’re in a new normal, we’re in a drought that will continue...”

Brown said the difference between his first tenure as governor in the 1970s and now is simple: “The biggest change is the fire season lasts so much longer, and the fires are so much bigger,” he said. “That’s it in a nutshell.”

The governor also noted that fire behavior seen so far this year has been extreme, including the so-called fire tornadoes spotted in the Carr Fire that were spawned by the intense heat of the blaze creating its own weather patterns.

“No one expected fire tornadoes,” Brown said.

A 77-year-old woman died from asphyxiation due to the dry ice stored in her son's ice cream business delivery van

PIERCE COUNTY, Wash. -- 

A man’s wife is in critical condition and his mother is dead after a rare, but lethal accident with dry ice.

The 51-year-old University Place man called police after finding his 51-year-old wife and his 77-year-old mother unconscious in their car around 4 A.M. Friday.

The man runs an ice cream delivery business that uses dry ice. He stored several coolers of it in the back seat of the car.

Pierce County Medical Examiners say the 77-year-old woman likely died from asphyxiation due to the dry ice.

The Pierce County Sheriff’s explained to Q13 News that the incident is an extremely rare and tragic accident. “It’s something I never knew could happen. We’ve all been around dry ice, but in enough quantities and a sealed condition it can be toxic and lethal, as now we now unfortunately found out”, said spokesperson Ed Troyer.

Dry ice is a solid form of carbon dioxide that transforms to gas when exposed to open air. According to the University of Washington’s Department of Environmental Health and Safety, the effects are lethal when confined to non-ventilated spaces.

========================



Woman, 71, dies of asphyxiation when her ice cream deliveryman son stores four coolers of dry ice in her car
The victim's son, 51, called the police after he found his wife, 51, and mother, 77, passed out in their car in University Place, Washington
He smashed a rear window with a rock, unlocked the car, and pulled his unconscious wife out and called 911
His 71-year-old mother was pronounced dead the scene
The man and his wife were rushed to hospital where his wife remains
The Pierce County Medical Examiner's Office ruled the cause of death as asphyxiation due to displacement of oxygen by carbon dioxide

By Hannah Parry For Dailymail.com

Published: 14:56 EDT, 30 July 2018 | Updated: 15:22 EDT, 30 July 2018


An elderly woman has died from asphyxiation after her ice cream deliveryman son, stored four coolers of dry ice in her car.

The victim's son, 51, called the police after he found his wife, 51, and mother, 77, passed out in their car in University Place, Washington. Police have not released the names of anyone involved.

He became concerned when his wife didn't return from dropping off his mother at 11pm, after he woke up at 4am for work

He found the car just a few blocks away and his mom and wife unconscious inside.

The ice cream man said he smashed a rear window with a rock, unlocked the car, and pulled his unconscious wife out and called 911, Kiro7.



+1




An elderly woman has died from asphyxiation after her ice cream deliveryman son, stored four coolers of dry ice in her car

His mother was pronounced dead the scene.

The man and his wife were rushed to hospital. The 51-year-old woman was in critical condition Friday.

The ice cream deliveryman told police that he's stored the four coolers of dry ice in the back of the car 'because he delivered Dippin' Dots to various locations,' Troyer said.


'He recently got a new car. The newer car probably had better sealing.'

The Pierce County Medical Examiner's Office ruled the cause of death as asphyxiation due to displacement of oxygen by carbon dioxide, and have pointed the blame at dry ice.

Dry ice, a solid form of carbon dioxide, can pose a danger in small, non-ventilated spaces. As the frozen carbon dioxide melts, it releases CO2 gas, displacing oxygen in the air which can quickly cause 'difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness and death.'

'At this point we're just looking at this as horrific accident,' sheriff's spokesman Ed Troyer said.

Troyer added that death by dry-ice asphyxiation was rare but it happened.

Five people, including a volunteer firefighter, have been critically injured in a series of explosions on a Kinder Morgan West Texas El Paso Natural Gas Pipeline (EPNG)

Natural gas pipeline explosion in Texas critically injures five


Reuters Staff


HOUSTON, TEXAS (Reuters) - 

A series of natural gas pipeline explosions in Midland County, Texas sent five people to hospital with critical burn injuries, and interrupted energy pipeline operations in the area, officials said.

The region is the home to the Permian Basin, the largest U.S. oilfield, and is crisscrossed by oil and gas pipelines. The cause of the explosion and fire were not immediately known.

Five workers with critical injuries were airlifted to University Medical Center in Lubbock, Texas, and were being treated at the center’s burn unit, said University Medical Center spokesman Eric Finley.

Pipeline operator Kinder Morgan said on Wednesday it had isolated a portion of its El Paso Natural Gas Pipeline (EPNG) as a precaution, after being alerted to the fire near its line. One of its employees was injured and taken to hospital, spokeswoman Sara Hughes said.

“There was a third-party pipeline involved that also experienced a failure, and preliminary indications are that the third-party line failure occurred before the EPNG line failure,” Kinder Morgan’s Hughes said in an email.

The company is investigating the cause of the fire and evaluating any damage to its property. Regulatory agencies and customers were notified of the incident, she added.

“Fire Department personnel suppressed the fire, however approximately one hour later a second and third small explosion followed,” said Elana Ladd, public information officer for the city of Midland, in emailed comments.

Multiple pipelines are located near the site, Ladd said, adding that first responders were focusing on shutting off pressure and flow to the pipelines at the site.

The pipeline explosion occurred on a rural road, FM 1379, about five miles south of Highway 158 at around 11:30 a.m. local time (1630 GMT), Ladd said, adding that the road had been closed.

No further information on the injured was immediately available.

Ladd identified one of the injured as a firefighter.

=================================



5 Injured in West Texas Pipeline Explosions
Five people, including a volunteer firefighter, have been injured in a series of explosions on a West Texas natural gas pipeline.

Aug. 1, 2018, at 10:36 p.m.


5 Injured in West Texas Pipeline Explosions





 

MIDLAND, Texas (AP) — 

Five people, including a volunteer firefighter, have been injured in a series of explosions on a West Texas natural gas pipeline.


The explosions happened on Farm-to-Market Road 1379, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) southeast of Midland. The first blast happened about 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, followed by smaller explosions about an hour later.

A Midland city spokeswoman said firefighters had managed to suppress the fire from the initial explosion when two explosions followed in quick succession. Aside from the firefighter, four pipeline employees were injured. The four pipeline workers were taken, three by air, to a Lubbock hospital for treatment of burns. The firefighter was taken to Midland Memorial Hospital.

Michigan declared a state of emergency for communities whose drinking water is contaminated with perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)

More Chemical Contamination in H2O Leads to State of Emergency for Michigan
August 1, 2018 by Jennifer Hermes


Michigan declared a state of emergency this week for communities whose drinking water is contaminated with perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA); these commercial chemicals were once widely used but are no longer manufactured in the US. The state’s Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) discovered the contamination on July 26 in Parchment, a city in southwestern Michigan, according to Chemical & Engineering News.

Parchment is draining and flushing its water supply pipes with water from nearby Kalamazoo. In the meantime, residents are being provided with bottled drinking water.

Contamination was also discovered in Cooper Township. Tests on water from the two communities showed levels of PFOS more than 20 times higher than EPA recommendation, writes the Detroit Metro Times.

Kalamazoo County is one of 34 sites that have been identified as contaminated since a state-wide initiative to test all of the state’s public drinking water supplies was launched in March. Other areas of contamination include Ann Arbor and the Battle Creek area, according to CNN.


The EPA says PFOS and PFOA have been linked to health issues like cancer, liver and kidney problems, and immune system disruptions.

Michigan is exploring a suit against 3M for compensation for past clean-ups of the chemicals. The state is also suing Wolverine World Wide, a Michigan shoe manufacturer that was found to have disposed of tannery wastes containing the chemicals.