San Bruno Pipeline Explosion

On September 9, 2010, a natural gas pipeline ruptured in a residential area.  Approximately 47.6 million standard cubic feet of natural gas was released.  The rupture created a crater approximately 72 feet long by 26 feet wide.  The gas ignited and the fire destroyed 37 homes and damaged 18.  Eight people were killed and many were injured and many evacuated the area.  Just before the accident, PG&E was working on their uninterruptable power supply (UPS).  The power supply from the UPS to the SCADA system malfunctioned.  The electrical signal to the regulating valve was lost resulting in the valve moving from partially open to full open position.  The pressure increased and ultimately the pipeline ruptured.

On September 9, 2010, a natural gas pipeline ruptured in a residential area.  Approximately 47.6 million standard cubic feet of natural gas was released.  The rupture created a crater approximately 72 feet long by 26 feet wide.  The gas ignited and the fire destroyed 37 homes and damaged 18.  Eight people were killed and many were injured and many evacuated the area.  Clean up could take 3-4 weeks.