Exposed Natural Gas Line kills Mower Operator in East Texas
A mower operator using brush clearing equipment died Tuesday, August 12, 2014 in Henderson TX when an exposed natural gas line was ruptured causing an explosion. The pipeline right of way was being cleared with a mulcher when the line was hit, causing an explosion and gas leak. Nearby residents were evacuated. The explosion occurred on Farm to Market 1798 East near the intersection of County Road 3122 in Rusk County, TX.
Natural gas lines are supposed to be buried at least 36 inches below the surface in residential areas, per the Code of Federal Regulations. According to KSLA news, the pipeline is operated by Enbridge.