Williams Co. Press Briefing: Gibson, LA (10/8/15)

Some $18 million payout in Tyler County oil and gas wrongful death lawsuit

From an Article by WTOV News 9, Upper Ohio Valley, October 7, 2015

Wheeling, WV — A lawsuit arising out of the death of a local man resulting from a 2013 explosion at a Tyler County oil and gas operation came to a conclusion on Wednesday.

The Circuit Court of Ohio County approved the settlement of $18 Million for the wrongful death case that had been filed by the law firm of Bordas & Bordas on behalf of the family of Bruce Phipps.

The lawsuit alleged that the negligence of several companies who were involved in operating the Eureka-Hunter Pipeline, LLC Twin Hickory pig launching and receiving station caused the explosion that led to Phipps’ death. Phipps was survived by his widow, Karen Phipps, who initiated the lawsuit on behalf of the Estate, as well as a daughter, two grandchildren and three siblings.

“This fine man who died as a result of the significant burns received over most of his body suffered in a way that no person should be forced to suffer. As a result, this family will forever be without a husband, a dad and a grandfather,” said Scott Blass, a partner at Bordas & Bordas, who served as lead counsel in the case.

“The most tragic part of this very sad scenario is that this could have been avoided if these companies simply would have conducted their operations in a safe and reasonable manner. Although this settlement will not bring Bruce back, we are hopeful that it will cause companies to think twice before putting workers in harm’s way when conducting their operations throughout the tri-state region.”

In addition to Eureka-Hunter Pipeline, LLC, other defendants in the case included Triad Hunter, LLC, Transtex Hunter, LLC, Magnum Hunter Resources Corporation, Apex Pipeline Services, Inc., Exterran Energy Solutions, LP, and Western Oilfields Supply Company, Inc. dba Rain For Rent.

The settlement is believed to be one of the largest, if not the largest, settlements in the history of Ohio County on behalf of a single family.

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Police: 3 dead, 2 in serious condition after natural gas explosion in Louisiana

By Clint Durrett, WDSU News 6, Gibson, LA, October 8, 2015

GIBSON, La. – State Police said three workers were killed and two people were listed in serious condition following an explosion reported Thursday at a natural gas pipeline in Gibson, Louisiana.

The blast was reported about 11 a.m. at a pipeline at Williams Partners’ natural gas facility. The facility is owned by Williams Partners’ subsidiary Transcontinental Gas Pipeline Co.

Williams said that the facility was not operational at the time of the incident and gas was not flowing through the pipeline system when the explosion occurred.

The 13 Williams employees stationed at the facility have been accounted for and were not injured, Williams said. However, of the 19 contractors working at the site, three were killed, State Police said. Two people were injured and listed in serious condition.

“We are deeply saddened by reports of serious injuries to personnel working at the scene. Our thoughts and prayers are with them and their families at this very critical time,” said Warren Toups, Williams operations manager.

The company said its top priority is ensuring the safety of its employees and contractors, and it is cooperating with first responders to secure the area.

Company officials’ initial assessment of the incident determined it didn’t appear that the explosion was caused by a rupture in the pipeline. The building containing the compressor engines was not damaged, the company said.

Williams said it will work with the appropriate regulatory agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the incident.

Williams also owned a plant in Gesimar, Louisiana, that experienced an explosion in June 2013. One person was killed in that blast.

As a result of the incident, the company was charged with a series of violations, ranging from willful to serious, and was initially ordered to pay a penalty of $99,000. The penalty was later reduced to $36,000, according to OSHA records.

See also: www.FrackCheckWV.net