A deadly natural gas explosion near Roswell, New Mexico in August 2000 killed 12 people and was caused by a rupture in a 30-inch natural gas transmission pipeline. The pipeline, operated by El Paso Natural Gas Company, failed due to severe internal corrosion. The explosion ignited released gas, creating a fireball that engulfed a nearby campsite along the Pecos River.
- Cause: Rupture of a corroded 30-inch El Paso Natural Gas pipeline; over 70% of the pipe wall had eroded due to internal corrosion.
- Location: Near Carlsbad, New Mexico (about 100 miles from Roswell), alongside the Pecos River.
- Injuries: 12 people (all members of an extended family camping nearby) were killed.
- Investigation: The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) determined that internal corrosion was the primary cause; inadequate inspection and maintenance were also cited.
- Gas Leak: The pipeline rupture released natural gas which ignited, burning for nearly an hour.
- Aftermath: El Paso Corporation settled claims with victims’ families; the explosion prompted stricter federal scrutiny of gas pipeline inspection and corrosion monitoring protocols.
Every year, hundreds of natural gas leaks and explosions put families, homes, and entire neighborhoods at risk.
That’s why the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recently issued a formal recommendation:
All states should require natural gas alarms in homes.
Why? Because too many preventable tragedies are happening in silence. And most people don’t realize:
⚠️ Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors do not detect natural gas.
Help Spread the Word
You probably know someone who has gas piping and could benefit from natural gas alarms.
Take 10 seconds to help them stay safe: