Attorney Asks for Transparency in Testing of Pipeline Involved in Explosion

A state agency is preparing to test the PG&E pipelines involved in last month’s gas explosion at the Fresno County Peace Officers Gun Range that injured 11 people.

The attorney representing some of the inmates hurt in the explosion is raising concerns, asking for transparency in the testing process.

Now, he’s asking a judge to step in.  

Flames shot up into the sky when the gas pipeline exploded injuring a county worker driving a front end loader, two deputies, and eight inmates.

While the exact cause of the explosion is still under investigation, come Monday, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) will test the PG&E pipelines involved.

"Last week we were given notice by PG&E that they were going to do potentially destructive and intrusive testing on the pipeline that exploded on April 17 here in Fresno," said attorney Butch Wagner.

Wagner represents five of the inmates who were injured in the explosion while doing work on the gun range: Sam Ouk, Gabino Pizano, Edgar Torres, Kal Whang, and Fidel Ramirez.

Wagner said last week, PG&E invited him to witness the testing, but he’s objecting to the terms.

"That (the terms) required us to keep confidential from everybody, including the public, any issues discovered in the testing. And also it would’ve prevented us from using any of the evidence from the testing in our case," Wagner said.

According to PG&E, the terms are being set by the CPUC since they are handling the investigation. 

Wagner is now asking a judge to get involved.

"To allow us videotaping, number one, and to allow us to discuss what happens at this testing and the results," Wagner said. 

Wagner’s clients are suing PG&E for negligence, alleging that PG&E has not properly maintained their pipelines, resulting in the explosion.

PG&E said in a statement that reads in part, "While we don’t know the exact cause of this incident, there are several assessments underway. We aren’t going to prejudge their outcome."

According to PG&E, the pipeline route was clearly marked, the segment of pipe had been strength tested, they measured about 40 inches of cover over the pipes, and the segment was leak surveyed, even the day before the explosion. 

The hearing is scheduled for Thursday at 3:30 p.m. in Fresno Superior Court.