Natural Gas Pipeline Explosion – San Bruno, California
The National Transportation Safety Board stated “the main cause of the natural gas pipeline rupture in San Bruno, California, that killed 8 people and burned 3 dozen houses last September was 54 years of bad management by the Pacific Gas & Electric Company, and state and federal regulators who did not notice the problem.” The San Bruno pipeline burned for over an hour after the explosion in part because of difficulty in isolating the location of the rupture. It was determined that “the pipeline ruptured at a spot where utility workers installed bad pipe in1956, skipping half the welds and either not inspecting the finished product or grossly misinterpreting the results.” The Safety Board is investigating 4 other pipeline failures. Proposed new pipeline safety rules include installation of valves at shorter intervals, requiring valves be capable of operation by remote control, and stricter rules on corrosion control. New York Times, August 31, 2011.
Michael S Callahan is an attorney and founder of The Callahan Law Firm. He focuses his practice on representing individuals and families in personal injury cases involving motor vehicle and truck accidents, workplace accidents and defective products. With over 25 years of experience, he is dedicated to fighting on behalf of people whose lives have been forever altered by the negligence and carelessness of corporations and individuals. Originally trained as a mechanical engineer, Michael has been practicing law and fighting for justice for those who need it most since 1994. He is board-certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and a member of various esteemed legal associations. Outside of work, Michael enjoys spending quality time with his family, outdoor activities, and continually striving to improve as a trial lawyer and human being.
