Utility worker pierced pipe before gas explosion

Associated Press

Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012 | 2:54 p.m.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — A natural gas explosion that injured 18 people and damaged 42 buildings in Springfield's entertainment district was blamed Sunday on a utility worker who accidentally punctured a high-pressure pipeline while looking for a leak. State Fire Marshal Stephen Coan said the Friday night blast in one of New England's largest cities was caused by "human error." He didn't name the Columbia Gas Co. worker who pierced the pipe while responding to reports of a gas leak. The worker damaged the underground pipe while using a metal probe to locate the source of the leak, Coan said. A ...

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By Bob635

Nov. 25, 2012

3:14 p.m.

Flag

A sniffer probe pierced the gas main?

That is only possible if the main was corroded and very weak.

This was a disaster that was waiting to happen.