TransCanada pipeline suffers rupture

A natural gas pipeline experienced a rupture on Saturday January 25th, causing an explosion and fire. The TransCanada pipeline ruptured in a rural area of Manitoba, Canada, just outside of Otterburne. No injuries were reported but the area was evacuated as a precaution, according to the National Energy Board.

The fire caused by the rupture was allowed to burn throughout Saturday while works were done in an attempt to bleed off the line and get rid of any remaining gas in the pipeline. It was fully extinguished by Sunday afternoon, allowing works to begin. 

The rupture left almost 4,000 residents without natural gas for heating and cooking for several days. Crews were issued to repair the damaged pipe in a bid to get the gas supply up-and-running again for the nine communities that were affected. Residents in Wisconsin, North Dakota and Minnesota, US, were asked to reduce their gas usage as the rupture had also affected their supplies.

Officials are investigating the rupture but currently do not have any insight as to what caused it. A bypass has been created, allowing gas service to be restored and homes and business have slowly been getting their gas supplies back. Over 100 TransCanada contractors worked throughout Monday and Tuesday to remove the damaged area of pipe and to perform repairs to the adjacent line, which was damaged in the explosion.

Crews are also going door-to-door in the affected communities to ensure that their gas supplies have been fully restored. They are also relighting any pilot lights that have gone out to ensure gas safety. Residents will be glad that their supplies are returning, as the area has this week experienced very low temperatures, meaning that many households have had to rely on electric heaters to warm their homes.

This latest incident has come at a time when pipeline ruptures are being investigated and operators are under a higher degree of scrutiny. It also increases concerns over TransCanada's safety record, which could be detrimental for the company as it is trying to obtain approval for its new Energy East oil export pipeline.