Argentina gas pipeline explosion kills 1, injures 30; 2 missing
A gas pipeline explosion and fire in a Buenos Aires suburb on November 13 killed at least one person, injured 30 and left two missing. Preliminary information from local officials indicates that an excavator damaged the pipeline during repair work. The fire has largely been brought under control, and prosecutors are investigating the cause and responsibility.
On the morning of November 13, a gas pipeline exploded and caused a fire in Remedios de Escalada, in the Lanús district on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, Argentina, killing at least one person, injuring 30 and leaving two missing. According to preliminary information from local officials, the incident occurred at 10:52 a.m. local time in a commercial area.
Gas company Metrogas and subcontractor Exgade were carrying out repair work at the time. An excavator punctured a medium-pressure gas distribution pipeline, causing a gas leak and an explosion. The fire then spread to several nearby shops.
The 30 injured people were taken to hospital, including seven with severe burns. Local authorities cordoned off the scene and evacuated residents and businesses within a 200-meter radius, as well as a school and a nursing home. More than 200 rescue personnel took part in fighting the fire.
After 5:30 p.m. on November 13, the fire was largely under control. Rescue workers were waiting for Metrogas to completely shut off the gas supply so they could extinguish the fire and assess the damage. Prosecutors have begun investigating the cause of the incident and the responsibility of those involved, and have requested the emergency detention of two Metrogas executives to assist the investigation.
Source: VietVance
