A natural gas pipeline explosion in rural Oklahoma near Texas on the afternoon of Jan. 30 sent flames rising more than 500 feet that destroyed power lines but did not causing injuries, according to local officials and system operator Phillips 66.
The rupture and fire about 60 miles west of Woodward, Okla., were extinguished in the early hours of Jan. 31 without health threats to neighboring cities, said a statement from parent company Phillips 66 of DCP Midstream which operates the 435-mile Front Range pipeline. between Weld County, Colo. and Skelleytown, Texas, in the southern part of the state.
No cause for the breakup has been determined. It is under investigation.
“Phillips 66’s first priority in responding to this incident is to ensure the safety and health of its workers, emergency responders and the surrounding community,” the statement said.
The affected pipeline sections are now closed and federal regulatory agencies have been notified, Phillips 66 said.
Several local firefighters and law enforcement responded, and roads near the scene were temporarily closed. Local first responders reported via social media that nine responding fire departments were kept away from affected sections until the gas could be shut off.
