Preliminary findings regarding a spectacular natural gas line breach early Sunday west of Cheyenne that sent a fireball into the morning sky and damaged a train carrying hazardous materials may not be available for 30 days, according to a federal official.
An investigation into the cause of the ruptured Kinder Morgan pipeline that impacted several Union Pacific railcars just after 1 a.m. near mile marker 350 on Interstate 80 is in the early stages, Keith Holloway, a spokesperson for the National Transportation Safety Board, said in a Wednesday email to the Cowboy State Daily.
“During the on-scene phase of the investigative process, the NTSB does not determine or speculate about the cause of the accident,” said Holloway.
That’s when federal regulators collect perishable evidence and gather information, but do not determine or speculate about the cause of the accident.
Information regarding what was being transported in the railcars which, according to Laramie County Fire District 10 officials included hazardous materials, remains under review by the NTSB and has not been publicly released.
“The ruptured pipeline ignited in close proximity to rail cars carrying hazardous materials, placing responders and the surrounding area at heightened risk,” the fire district reported.
Union Pacific Spokesperson Mike Jaixen did not respond Wednesday to an inquiry from Cowboy State Daily regarding the train’s cargo.
Jaixen previously said that due to the pipeline fire, the train stopped about 40 feet away from the tracks and did not derail. Aerial images of the scene show cars on the train heavily damaged or charred, according to The Associated Press and Denver7 News.
Kinder Morgan officials did not respond to a request for comment about damage to the pipeline and the subsequent massive fireball that could be seen 60 miles away.
Track repairs were completed and rail operations resumed early Monday morning.
A probable cause for the accident, along with any contributing factors, will be detailed in the final investigation report expected to be completed in 12-24 months, Holloway said.
The investigation will examine possible human factors contributing to the mishap, evaluation of the pipeline system, the operating environment, and the collection of various documents and records, including:
• Performance data relevant to the accident and response.
• Training records.
• Witness statements.
• Pipeline operating practices, procedures, maps, along with maintenance and historical records.
• Weather conditions at the time of the incident.
Scott Schwebke can be reached at: Scott@CowboyStateDaily.com
