El Paso Natural Gas pipeline rupture kills 10, injures more

Aug. 21, 2000
A natural gas pipeline belonging to El Paso Natural Gas Co., a wholly owned subsidiary of El Paso Energy Corp., ruptured Saturday morning, causing an explosion that killed 10 people�including 5 children�and injured several more.


A natural gas pipeline belonging to El Paso Natural Gas Co., a wholly owned subsidiary of El Paso Energy Corp., ruptured Saturday morning, causing an explosion that killed 10 people�including 5 children�and injured several more.

The incident occurred 30 miles south of Carlsbad, NM. The people involved were camping along the Pecos River. Gas flow through the damaged section of pipeline was suspended, and the fire subsequently burned itself out.

The cause of the explosion is unknown.

An Associated Press report said the explosion left a huge crater 85 ft long, 45 ft wide, and 20 ft deep.

The pipeline was 5-6 ft underground at the rupture point, said El Paso Natural Gas spokeswoman Norma Dunn.

"This is a tragic accident and our heartfelt condolences go out to the families involved,'' said William A. Wise, president and CEO of El Paso Energy Corp. "We are working closely with the National Transportation Safety Board to investigate diligently all matters surrounding this accident and to establish its cause as quickly as possible.''