BP Investigates Lethal Explosion at Colorado Natural Gas Site

by Dow Jones Newswires

Angel Gonzalez

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

BP PLC is investigating the cause of an explosion at a natural gas site near Bayfield, Colorado that killed one person and wounded two others.

In a statement posted Monday on its website, the company said that the incident took place Monday morning at a compression station that gathered gas from BP's operations in Colorado's San Juan Basin. A crew was performing pipeline maintenance at the site.

"It is too early to speculate on the cause of the accident," BP said, adding that the site had been secured and shut down, and that the company was cooperating with federal, state and local authorities.

"We are deeply saddened that one individual was fatally injured in the accident. Two others are receiving medical treatment for injuries," the company said, adding that the individuals are contractors.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Generated by readers, the comments included herein do not reflect the views and opinions of Rigzone. All comments are subject to editorial review. Off-topic, inappropriate or insulting comments will be removed.

Othman | Jun. 29, 2012

Just to say to Mark that zero risk does not exist, even when staying at home. Look at the poor guys in the village of Lockerby some years ago or even those people in Nigeria a few days ago that got a plane landing on their head. Even with all effort made, an accident may arrive, its then just hard luck. In the same manner some people have the luck to hit the Lottery Jackpot with only a chance in a billion odds.

Anne | Jun. 29, 2012

Thanks again BP. You do a great job. Not.

Marc S. Young, PE | Jun. 27, 2012

We all in the industry strive for a zero loss tolerance. However, only if you are not doing anything are you at zero risk. My heart felt condolences to the families of those affected by this unfortunate accident. Our goal as an industry must be to find out the facts as to what causes this sort of misfortune and to share the facts with all in the industry so that this persons death will at least serve to help avoid it ever reoccurring again.

Rick Morgan | Jun. 26, 2012

based on experience, probable cause due to lack of training/supervision/oversight during pipeline maintenance activities. Until more is known about exactly what activities were involved, SWAGs will abound.

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