Energy Transfer pipeline erupts into fire in La Porte, Texas

(Reuters) - A natural gas liquids (NGL) pipeline owned by Energy Transfer (NYSE:ET ) caught fire in La Porte, Texas, on Monday morning, the company said in a statement, knocking out power to thousands of homes and businesses and prompting a widespread evacuation.

Videos posted by a local news station showed a massive flame near streets and businesses. There were no reports of injuries, and the line had been isolated by midday for residual product to burn off, Energy Transfer said, adding that it did not have a timeline for how long that process would take.

The fire occurred at a valve station on a 20-inch (50.8-cm) pipeline used to carry NGLs, Energy Transfer said. NGLs can be used as inputs for petrochemical plants or burned for space heating and cooking, among other uses.

The company also said it was aware of reports that an unknown passenger car entered its right-of-way and struck the valve location.

The Texas Railroad Commission (RRC), which regulates the state's oil and gas industry, said it was investigating the fire.

It said the incident occurred in a pipeline corridor, and that other pipeline operators in the area had been notified of the incident and were set to ensure the safety of their systems.

Over 5,000 CenterPoint Energy (N:CNP ) customers were without power shortly after the incident, according to a posting on the company's website. That number fell to around 1,600 by midday.

"When it is safe to do so, our electric crews will go into the area to assess the damage to our transmission and distribution power lines, poles and equipment and begin restoring service to impacted customers as safely and quickly as possible," the company said.

A nearby Walmart (NYSE:WMT ) store was evacuated and closed following the incident. Students attending schools near the scene of the fire were safe and sheltering in place, the La Porte Independent School District said.

Source: Investing.com