Gas Pipeline Explodes in Rural Oklahoma, With Damage But No Injury

Flames from natural gas pipeline explosion in Oklahoma at the Texas border reached more than 500 ft, according to local firefighters. The rupture is under investigation. No injuries were reported.

Photo Courtesy: Elmwood (Texas) Fire Dept,

A natural gas pipeline explosion in rural Oklahoma near Texas late on Jan. 30 sent flames rising more than 500 ft that destroyed power lines but caused no injuries, according to local officials and system operator Phillips 66. 

The rupture and fire about 60 miles west of Woodward, Okla., were extinguished early on Jan. 31 with no health threats to neighboring towns, said a statement from Phillips 66, parent company 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 rupture has been officially determined. However, the working theory is the fire started in an eight-inch feeder pipe, spreading to the main natural gas pipeline and ruptured, said one Phillip 66 employee, who spoke anonymously. 

“Phillips 66’s first priority in responding to this incident is ensuring the safety and health of its workers, emergency responders and the surrounding community,” the statement said. 

Affected pipeline sections now are closed and federal regulatory agencies were notified, Phillips 66 said. 

Several local fire and law enforcement agencies responded, and roads near the site were temporarily closed. Local first responders reported via social media that nine fire departments that responded were kept away from affected sections until gas could be shut off. 

Dan has reported for national and regional newspapers for three decades. During that time, he’s covered topics ranging from three octogenarians who were known as the original Daisy Dukes because in their youth they ran moonshine in Appalachia to Latin American politics. For the last decade or so, he’s focused on global energy, mainly natural resources.

He has won numerous awards during his career, all of which are sitting in a bottom desk drawer collecting dust.

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