NTSB releases report on deadly Ky. pipeline explosion

LINCOLN COUNTY, Ky. (WKYT) - Federal regulators have identified what’s to blame for a deadly gas pipeline explosion in central Kentucky three years ago.

The National Transportation Safety Board says a combination of factors caused the explosion in Lincoln County on August 1, 2019.

It leveled part of the Indian Camp Mobile Home Park.

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Lisa Derringer was killed and six others were injured.

In its official report, the NTSB pointed to a manufacturing defect in the pipe and ineffective protection from corrosion, as part of the problem.

Lincoln County Emergency Management Director Don Gilliam says that is somewhat surprising because he believed the defect would be found on the inside of the pipe.

The NTSB report also says Enbridge, which owns the pipeline, did not accurately assess the condition of the pipeline or estimate the risk from interacting threats.

“I fall short of placing blame. If you want to make a distinction between blame and responsibility, which I do, certainly they are responsible. Could they have done a better job? Yeah, I think they could,” said Gilliam.

Ephraim Helton, who represented 85 clients who sued Enbridge, says all of them received confidential settlements. He says the report shows that the responsibility laid solely with Enbridge.

We have reached out to Enbridge but have not heard back from them.

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