Calnev Pipeline explodes, destroying San Bernardino

SAN BERNARDINO, Ca. Hundreds of residents are displaced following the

Calnev Pipelines explosion this morning.

The explosion occurred at 8:11 a.m. in the neighborhood bounded by

Duffy Street and Highland Avenue in Los Angeles. The pipeline was
carrying unleaded gasoline. Flames erupted 100 feet into the air.

A ruptured gasoline pipeline caused the explosion. The cause of the

rupture is unknown. San Bernardino City Attorney Jim Penman inspected
the area this morning and determined no danger.

The Calnev Pipeline is a 550-mile underground pipeline that transports

128,000 barrels a day of gasoline, jet fuel and diesel fuel from Los
Angeles to Las Vegas.

Insurance agent Bill Stewart was visiting a client at her home a block
away from the explosion. He saw everything go up in flames, including
the concrete.

We heard this loud noise, and it just started getting bigger. I ran to the
window and looked out and could see nothing but smoke; then we both
hit the floor, Stewart said.

I felt my whole house shake. I thought it was an earthquake. Then I

looked out and I saw the fire and I just started crying, explained another
neighborhood resident.

Two people died in a home fire on Duffy Street. Firefighters are searching
for a third victim in the home.

A woman fled the house and watched it blow up behind her as she ran
out. The house is destroyed.

Seven burn victims have been admitted to the San Bernardino County
Medical Center. Their conditions have not been disclosed. More are being
treated for smoke inhalation.

Clouds of smoke are visible as far away as Riverside and Ontario

communities. Highland Avenue is closed to motorists.

The Calnev Pipeline last exploded in 1980, spilling 100,000 gallons of jet
fuel into the Las Vegas Valley.

Two vans and a bus are being used to evacuate.

The Red Cross Evacuation Center is located at 3753 Kerry St. at the Job
Corps Center.

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