2000 NEW MEXICO PIPELINE RUPTURE SUBJECT OF NTSB BOARD MEETING

Washington, D.C. - The National Transportation Safety Board will hold a public Board Meeting on Tuesday, February 11, 2003 at 9:30 a.m., in its Board Room and Conference Center, 429 L’Enfant Plaza, S.W., Washington, D. C. Item to be discussed:

On Saturday, August 19, 2000, a 30-inch-diameter natural gas transmission pipeline operated by El Paso Natural Gas Company ruptured adjacent to the Pecos River near Carlsbad, New Mexico. The release of gas ignited and burned for 55 minutes. Twelve persons who were camping under a concrete-decked steel bridge that supported the pipeline across the river were killed and their three vehicles destroyed. Two nearby steel suspension bridges for gas pipelines crossing the river were extensively damaged.

Directions to the Board Room: Front Door located on Lower 10th Street, directly below L’Enfant Plaza. From Metro, exit L’Enfant Plaza station at 9th and D streets escalator, walk through shopping mall, at CVS store take escalator down one level. Board Room will be to your left.

NTSB Press Contacts:
Keith Holloway
(202) 314-6100