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N0KFQ > TODAY 03.06.13 17:24l 38 Lines 1520 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
BID : 40751_KB0WSA
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Subj: Today in History - Jun 3
Path: IZ3LSV<IW0QNL<OK0NBR<OK2PEN<OK0NMG<N0KFQ<KB0WSA
Sent: 130603/1455Z 40751@KB0WSA.MO.USA.NA BPQK1.4.54
.
Jun 3, 1989:
Natural gas explosion kills 500 in Russia
In a freak and tragic accident, a natural-gas pipeline explodes
in Russia's Ural Mountains just as two trains pass it.
The explosion occurred near the town of Ufa in what was then the
Soviet Union and was the result of poor judgment by pipeline
workers. They were aware that the pressure in the pipeline
dropped significantly on June 3_a sign of a possible leak.
However, instead of following standard procedure and checking for
leaks, they instead pumped more and more natural gas through the
line to keep the pressure up. The gas continued to leak and
spread through the nearby area, mostly settling in a low area
near the rail tracks about a mile from the pipeline.
As this was happening, two trains were approaching on the
Trans-Siberian Railway, passing each other near the gas leak.
Suddenly, the natural gas ignited, causing a massive fireball to
erupt and flames to spread over an area a mile in length. The
force of the explosion knocked several train cars right off the
tracks. Hundreds of trees in the surrounding forest were
instantly incinerated by the extreme temperatures.
The explosion and derailment caused tremendous casualties on the
trains. Just over 500 people lost their lives (a precise count
could not be made) and many others suffered horrible burns.
Helicopters were flown in to evacuate the burn victims quickly to
area hospitals.
73, K.O. n0kfq
N0KFQ @ KB0WSA.MO.USA.NA
E-mail: kohiggs@gmail.com
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