NTSB Safety Recommendation P-73-047

NTSB safety recommendation P-73-047.

THE NTSB RECOMMENDS THAT THE OFFICE OF PIPELINE SAFETY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION: EXPEDITE RULEMAKING CURRENTLY UNDER STUDY TO PROVIDE FOR MORE COMPLETE AND EFFECTIVE CONTROLS OVER THE TRANSPORTATION BY PIPELINE OF LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GASES, WHICH WOULD INCLUDE NATURAL GAS LIQUIDS. THESE REGULATIONS SHOULD CONTAIN MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR THE DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, TESTING, OPERATION, AND MAINTENANCE OF BOTH NEW AND EXISTING PIPELINES.

Priority: CLASS II

Overall Status: Closed - Unacceptable Action

Issued Date: 1973-11-13

Adopted Date: 1973-11-07

Overall Date Closed: 1990-01-04

Synopsis: ON FEBRUARY 22, 1973, NATURAL GAS LIQUIDS LEAKED FROM A RUPTURED 10-INCH PIPELINE AT A PUMP STATION IN AUSTIN, TEXAS, FLOWED INTO DITCHES ALONGSIDE A ROAD ADJACENT TO THE STATION, AND VAPORIZED. A DODGE VAN DROVE INTO THE VAPOR-RICH ZONE AND STALLED. WHEN THE DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE ENGINE, THE VAPOR IGNITED, AND THE DRIVER AND SEVEN PASSENGERS WERE ENGULFED IN FLAMES. SIX OF THESE PERSONS DIED AND TWO WERE CRITICALLY BURNED.

Ntsbnumber: PLD73XR005

Report Number: PAR-73-04

Addressee Name: RSPA

Addressee Status: Closed - Unacceptable Action

Addressee Date Closed: 1990-01-04

Addressee Acronym: RSPA

Addressee Organization Type: G-Federal Government

Communication Date: 1990-01-04

Communication Type: Official Correspondence

Addressee Acronym: RSPA

Addressee Organization Type: G-Federal Government

Communication Date: 1989-05-31

Communication Type: Official Correspondence