Pipeline rupture leaves 900 without gas supply

Two towns in north-western Minnesota, US, have been left without gas following the rupture of a natural gas pipeline. Around 900 customers in Warren and Argyle are without gas after an interstate natural gas pipeline located in Warren ruptured on Monday (May 26th). 

The problem occurred early in the morning, with a fire being caused by the rupture of the Viking Pipeline. The incident happened in a secluded area, around a mile away from the nearest house, meaning no one was injured. The fire took around two hours to extinguish and was reported to be around 100 feet high.

As well as the fire, the explosion as the pipeline ruptured has resulted in a crater, approximately 15 feet deep, being created around the damaged pipeline. This shows the force of the incident.  

Ten families were evacuated from their homes as a precaution while the fire was dealt with, but they have now returned to their properties, Marshall County sheriff John Novacek told the Star Tribune.

Investigators from the Minnesota Office of Pipeline Safety were at the scene of the rupture on Tuesday (May 27th) looking into the cause of the incident. Frost heaves are thought to be a possible cause, although this has not yet been confirmed. So far suspicious activity has been ruled out.

It is hoped that normal gas service will be resumed some time today (Wednesday May 28th), after homes have been without gas and some businesses have been unable to open due to the lack of supply.

This is the second time this year that residents in the area have had their gas service interrupted. The first incident took place in January, when a trans-Canada pipeline ruptured, causing a large explosion. As a precaution, two other pipelines in the vicinity were shut down, stopping service while gas was diverted from Michigan and Twin Cities to those that were affected.