Business

Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

Refinery fire blamed on pipe tear

By: Staff Writer

Posted: 08/17/2012 1:00 AM | Comments: 0

REGINA -- Fire inspectors say corrosion in a single pipe was behind an explosion and fire at the Co-op refinery in Regina last fall.

Their report says a tear measuring almost 18 centimetres long triggered the initial explosion and subsequent smaller ones.

They say the problem was in a diesel-fuel processing area and had been getting worse since 2008 when practices at the plant changed.

Co-op officials say tests hadn't shown any issues with the pipe.

Seven contract employees who were working on a $2-billion upgrade and expansion were sent to hospital and two more were treated for burns at the plant. Another 1,400 people had to leave the refinery after the blast, which triggered a huge fireball that could be seen all over the city.

Co-op says 80 per cent of the piping in the troubled area has been replaced since the fire and 19 other measures have been taken to increase testing.

-- The Canadian Press

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition August 17, 2012 B6

Fact Check

Have you found an error, or know of something we’ve missed in one of our stories? Please use the form below and let us know.

* Required

In which story did you find the error? *
Please post the headline of the story or the title of the video with the error.
What was the error? *
Please post exactly what was wrong with the story.
What should we have written?
Please indicate your source for the correct information.
Who else should we interview to improve this story?
Please include any contact information you may have.
Can we contact you in the future for advice on stories about this topic?
Yes

No
First Name: *
Last Name: *
E–mail Address: *
This will only be used to contact you if we have a question about your submission, it will not be used to identify you or be published.
Phone: *
This will only be used to contact you if we have a question about your submission, it will not be used to identify you or be published.
Colour:
Are you blue? If you can see this, leave it blank and get some CSS support.
Enter the words that you see: * This is to prevent our forms from being filled out automatically.
You have failed to correctly identify the words in the box above. Please try again.

More Business

Undock

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.

Have Your Say

New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.