Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Feds say power outage built pressure in San Bruno pipeline before blast
Destruction is seen in the aftermath of a gas line explosion September 10, 2010 in San Bruno, California. The explosion rocked a neighborhood near San Francisco International Airport, destroying 37 homes, killing at least 4 people, and injuring at least 50.
(
Eric Risberg-Pool/Getty Images
)
Listen
0:39
Feds say power outage built pressure in San Bruno pipeline before blast
Feds say power outage built pressure in San Bruno pipeline before blast
Federal officials today released the preliminary findings of an investigation into last month’s explosion of a natural gas pipeline south of San Francisco. The blast killed eight people and destroyed 37 homes.
Investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board still don’t know what caused a natural gas pipeline to burst last month in the residential neighbor of San Bruno, but a preliminary report on the September 9 blast concludes that a brief power outage had something to do with it.
The power went out 11 minutes before the explosion.
After the power failed, pressure in the segment of pipe that burst increased by 15 pounds per square inch.
Pacific Gas & Electric is responsible for the pipeline – and for electrical power in San Bruno.
Federal investigators are still testing segments of the failed pipeline. They say they’ll issue a more detailed report on the findings in the months ahead.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
