Otterburne Pipeline explosion findings released

WINNIPEG — The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has released its report into a large pipeline explosion near Otterburne, Manitoba, in January 2014. The report shows a crack in the pipeline that’s believed to have been there for 50 years ruptured, causing the explosion Jan. 25. The escaping gas burned for approximately 12 hours.

The crack had remained stable prior to the explosion. It’s believed the pipeline crack had formed at the time of the pipeline’s construction, likely due to poor welding quality. There was no requirement for inspecting the welding at the time the pipeline was constructed.

Five homes in the immediate area were evacuated until the fire was out.

Otterburne is about 50 kilometres south of Winnipeg.