2013 Qingdao oil pipeline explosion

Events Leading to Accident

• The pipeline ruptured and leaked for about 15 minutes onto a street and into the sea before it was shut off.
• Hours later, as workers cleaned up the spill, the oil caught fire and exploded in two locations
• Oil had seeped into underground utility pipes, which could have been a factor in the blasts
• Oil also caught fire as it spread over the sea

  Findings

• Energy Pipeline networks and cities expanding rapidly bringing them closer – This provides opportunity for thieves and also leaving lines dangerously close to general public
• No nationwide database for pipelines
• In effective investigation procedures - Pipeline investigation was completed in September 2013 – but after the explosion the effectiveness of Pipeline investigation remains questionable
• Sinopec completed QHSE checks across all its facilities and found 8000 safety problems ranging from Oil and Gas Well management through to standards at rented oil storage facilities
• Subsequent nationwide pipeline safety check found similar corrosion problems throughout the nation's pipeline network