09/09/2026
🔥 HAZMAT HISTORY: SAN BRUNO PIPELINE EXPLOSION — 2010 🔥
On September 9, 2010, a 30-inch natural-gas transmission pipeline ruptured in a residential neighborhood in San Bruno, California, releasing approximately 47.6 million cubic feet of natural gas that quickly ignited, killing 8 people, injuring many others, destroying 38 homes, and damaging 70. The NTSB determined that a defective longitudinal seam weld contributed to the rupture and also identified deficiencies in pipeline integrity management and emergency response, including the lack of automatic or remote shutoff valves and delays in isolating the pipeline.
Public Safety Reminder: If you smell the distinctive “rotten egg” odor of natural gas, hear hissing or roaring near a pipeline, see blowing dirt, dead vegetation, or other signs of a possible leak, leave the area immediately and move to a safe location, preferably upwind. Do not operate vehicles, light matches, use electrical switches, or attempt to locate the leak or operate pipeline valves yourself. Once safely away, call 911 and report the suspected gas leak, and do not return to the area until emergency personnel declare it safe.
The San Bruno disaster remains a powerful reminder that a pipeline emergency can rapidly become a fire, explosion, evacuation, mass-casualty, and Hazmat incident—and recognizing the warning signs and knowing what to do can save lives.
