Natural gas pipeline rupture in southern Wyoming ignites flames, charring freight train
A ruptured Kinder Morgan natural gas pipeline near Cheyenne sparked a large blaze that lit up the night sky and charred a Union Pacific freight train; authorities reported no injuries and NTSB investigators were en route.
A natural gas pipeline ruptured and burst into flames early Sunday in southern Wyoming, charring a freight train and lighting up the night sky with a glow visible more than 60 miles to the south in Colorado, officials said.
Emergency crews responded shortly after 1 a.m. after authorities received reports of explosions along Interstate 80 west of Cheyenne, according to a statement from Laramie County Fire District #10. The ruptured pipeline ignited in close proximity to rail cars carrying hazardous materials, placing responders and the surrounding area at heightened risk, the fire district said. Importantly, no injuries or fatalities occurred, and no large hazardous material releases posed a threat to the public.
Firefighters had the flames under control as of 9 a.m. Aerial photos from the scene showed Union Pacific freight cars still upright but blackened as crews mopped up the fire around the tracks. The train was halted around 2 a.m. when it came within about 40 feet (12 meters) of the fire on the ruptured Kinder Morgan pipeline, Union Pacific spokesperson Kristen South said in an email. No cars derailed and the railroad was working with fire officials to determine if any track repairs were necessary.
An email was sent to the energy infrastructure company Kinder Morgan seeking additional details about the rupture on its pipeline. The glow from the fire could be seen as far away as Loveland, Colorado, according to media reports. The National Transportation Safety Board said its investigators were expected to arrive at the site Monday morning.