US energy firm Chevron has reported an explosion at its liquid petroleum gas (LPG) pipeline near Milford, Texas, prompting evacuations.
Hill County Emergency Management director Tom Hemrick told KTVT-TV in Dallas that the explosion was caused by a construction crew that accidentally drilled into a 10in LPG line.
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"The fire is definitely getting smaller," Hemrick added.
Chevron has established a 1.5-mile evacuation zone around the site of the fire and asked 700 residents of Milford to evacuate their homes.
The company continues to monitor the nearby 14-inch LPG pipeline and is in the process of mobilising resources to remove product and depressurise the line.
According to a state regulator, Chevron operates an interstate pipeline that falls under the jurisdiction of the Pipeline and Hazardous Safety Administration.
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By GlobalDataEPA Dallas regional office spokesman Joe Hubbard said: "EPA emergency response personnel are assisting with the response efforts to determine environmental effects of the explosion and provide additional support as requested."
The pipeline system is 80% owned by Chevron and 20% by Atlas Pipeline Partners.
Image: Chevron headquarters in San Ramon, California. Photo: courtesy of Coolcaesar.
