House explosion due to damaged gas line

Location: Fernie

Regulated industry sector: Gas - Natural gas system

Incident overview:

Escaping gas from damaged gas line migrated into a home through building openings and contacted a source of ignition, resulting in a large explosion and subsequent fire. Exposed underground gas line was struck by excavator while digging for new water line for a new building on the property. Excavator strike caused the gas line to sever underground next to the home 50 feet from where the excavation was taking place.