HAZARDOUS LIQUID AND NATURAL GAS PIPELINE FATALITIES

Pipeline Fatalities (monthly data)

Note: Spike in graph represents leak and explosion of gas in a residential and shopping district in San Juan, Puerto Rico, 11/21/96.

Pipeline failures are low-probability events that can result in fatalities, injuries, and property damage. Over time, gas pipeline fatalities tend to outnumber those involving hazardous liquid (e.g., petroleum) pipelines. Outside force damage (e.g., damage to a pipeline during excavation for construction) is the leading cause of pipeline failures, followed by corrosion (DOT Performance Plan FY 2001).

NOTES: The current value is compared to the value from the same period in the previous year to account for seasonality.

All 2001 data are preliminary, and subject to change as incidents are reported.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Pipeline Safety, Research and Special Programs Administration, Online Library Accident and Incident Data as of April. 16, 2001, available at http://ops.dot.gov/IA98.htm.