NTSB Opens Investigation into Fatal Pipeline Accident

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has opened an investigation into a pipeline accident in Helena, Alabama, in which one worker died and four others were seriously injured. The 36-inch diameter pipeline carrying gasoline, operated by Colonial Pipeline, ruptured during maintenance operations at 2:55 p.m. ET last Monday. The team of five NTSB investigators, led by investigator-in-charge Roger Evans, arrived at the accident site Thursday. The NTSB is leading the investigation of the accident.

 

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is coordinating closely with the NTSB to ensure all documentation and relevant information PHMSA developed in the first hours and days following the accident are shared with the NTSB. NTSB investigators expect to be in Alabama for several days conducting interviews, documenting the accident site and surrounding area, and collecting physical evidence.

NTSB investigators will travel to the Colonial Pipeline offices in Alpharetta, Georgia, to interview operations and engineering staff, review control room operations, and collect operating data and documents.