No One Injured in Pipeline Explsosion

March 13, 2007; parker cmsuser

Contact: Joel Kertok Phone: (817) 598-6148

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 10 AM CST, March 13, 2007

       No One Injured in Pipeline Explosion

Flames remain into Tuesday morning after an excavation equipment operator laying pipeline for Crosstex Energy Services out of Dallas, accidentally struck an existing propane pipeline owned by ConocoPhillips at approximately 2 p.m. Monday near FM 730 in central Parker County.

No one was injured in the explosion. Upon hearing the release of pressurized gas the backhoe operator and 13 other crewmembers in the area ran to safety before the released gas ignited, sending flames over 20 feet into the air and a plume of smoke visible from miles away.

Parker County Emergency Management and Sheriff’s Department officials, along with numerous volunteer fire departments arrived on scene to make sure all were accounted for and that the fire did not spread.

A spokesman from ConocoPhillips thanked local emergency officials for their responsiveness and resourcefulness in mitigating the impact to the community.

Officials from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Texas Railroad Commission arrived at the scene also.

 “ConocoPhillips has taken every measure to contain the situation, including cutting off supply to the pipeline involved, which is an 8-inch natural gas liquids line,” a ConocoPhillips spokesman said.

Officials said approximately 5,000 area residents’ lost electrical power as the explosion knocked down an electrical transmission line. Power was restored to those residents before nightfall, Monday evening.

ConocoPhillips has established a toll free number for the purpose of handling any claims from individuals or businesses that feel they have been impacted by this incident.

The toll free number is 800-766-6362 and will be activated at 12 noon, Tuesday, March 13.