COOLIDGE, Arizona — A gas pipeline near Coolidge that caused an explosion that exploded in 2021 and killed two people has resumed operations, officials said.
On August 15, 2021, residents across Pinal County reported hearing and feeling an explosion near the road in Randolph and Vail.
A violent blast destroyed a nearby farmhouse where a local family lived. The explosion killed a 14-year-old girl and her father.
Public records show nearby livestock had been burned and a cow died shortly after the explosion.
The pipeline operator, Kinder Morgan, restricted production after the incident, and the National Transportation Safety Board launched an investigation into the explosion.
After 18 months, the pipeline is back in operation for commercial service.
Coolidge Mayor John Thompson announced at this week’s board meeting He recently received notice from Kinder Morgan that the company plans to resume its pipeline this month.
The mayor said he was informed by the company that it had received approval from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration to reopen the pipeline by Feb. 15.
“This pipeline is outside the control of the City of Coolidge,” the mayor added.
Credit: NTSB
Aerial view of Coolidge Farmhouse and ancillary structures after the pipeline explosion and fire on August 15, 2021.
Kinder Morgan reportedly took steps to keep the pipeline from bursting again, according to NTSB records.
“KM has repaired the accident site, including replacing the ruptured pipe with new pipe,” the company wrote in a February 2022 report to the NTSB.
A Kinder Morgan spokesperson told 12News about the pipeline:
“The safety of our community remains our primary concern and we have safely resumed operations today. We continue to cooperate fully and thank the NTSB and PHMSA for their important role throughout this investigation. , we will continue to address your concerns and will be identified through this process.”
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