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Sunday, June 24, 2012

"Ross Dress for Less" Explosion

In 1985 the Ross Dress for Less store in the Fairfax District of Los Angeles exploded injuring 23 people.  It is believed that methane gas migrated from a nearby oil field due to improperly abandoned wells.  The gas migrated up a path of least resistance through fractures and well bores until it reached the surface.  Since naturally occurring methane is odorless, the buildup of gas went undetected until it was too late.  Here is video footage of that incident:


For information about the Salt Lake Oil Field which lies beneath the City of Los Angeles, click HERE

Should Arlington, TX  be labeled a High Potential Methane Zone?


2 comments:

  1. Wow. Did you see that flare? At about 3:53 they dig into the ground just to get to the "mysterious pocket of gas" and burn off the methane. And at 5:35 they show the first young woman's burns. How awful. Looks like it's just one more potential issue that was never envisioned when Tommie Lee Jones encouraged everyone to sign up just a few years ago.

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