GAS LINE FIRE AT SITE OF BRENHAM SHOPPING CENTER DEVELOPMENT

DRIVER OF BULLDOZER FLOWN TO HOSPITAL AFTER HITTING GAS LINE

  

Update @ 8:30 p.m.: Multiple emergency crews responded to the scene of a gas line explosion and fire this (Friday) morning at the site of the Baker Katz shopping center development in Brenham.

(courtesy Will Holford, Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative)

City officials say just after 9:15 a.m., the Brenham Fire Department was dispatched to the feeder road at Highway 290 and Chappell Hill Street for a vehicle fire.  While enroute, firefighters were informed that the vehicle was a bulldozer which was fully involved.

Units began a fire attack but learned that the bulldozer had struck an underground gas line, which was feeding the fire.  The Salem, Meyersville and Chappell Hill Volunteer Fire Departments provided additional manpower and water supply, bringing the total to 28 fire-scene personnel.

The City of Brenham Gas Department secured the leaking gas line by 10:45 a.m., and the remaining fire was quickly extinguished.  The scene was cleared shortly after 11:45 a.m.

According to city officials, the driver of the bulldozer was airlifted to an area hospital for burn injuries.  The extent of the driver's condition is unknown at this time.

Interim Brenham Fire Chief Roger Williams said he is "very proud and appreciative" of the efforts of all units on scene, adding, "Today was a great example of how departments can work together to achieve a common goal.”  He said the outcome could have been "significantly different" were it not for all that responded in mitigating the incident.

Agencies providing support to firefighters were the Brenham Police Department, DPS, Washington County Emergency Services, Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative and the City of Brenham Gas and Utilities Departments.

The incident is under investigation by the Texas Railroad Commission.

 

Original Story @ 10:45 a.m.: Multiple emergency crews are at the scene of a gas line fire this (Friday) morning at the site of the Baker Katz shopping center development in Brenham.

The fire was first reported shortly after 9:15 a.m. at the center, located at the intersection of Highway 290 and Chappell Hill Street.  City of Brenham officials say a bulldozer hit a gas line near the service road, causing an explosion and fire.

According to City of Brenham Communications Manager Melinda Gordon, the driver of the bulldozer was airlifted to an area hospital.  No updates on the driver’s condition have been provided at this time.

Crews from Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative came to the scene to de-energize power lines in order to assist firefighters and first responders.  The cooperative said the lines were inspected and power was restored around 11:15 a.m.

Drivers are asked to avoid the area.

(courtesy Will Holford, Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative)
(courtesy City of Brenham)
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4 Comments

  1. Did the dozer operator have a valid locate ticket? Did the City of Brenham properly locate the pipeline prior to excavation?
    Always call 811, Call before you Dig. It may save someone’s life, maybe yours!

  2. Very unfortunate for the operator, I hope he recovers quickly …….but now let’s look at the planners of the multimillion shopping center and the city planners. No one thought to put hydrants in??…….so now the fire dept has to forward lay a portable main. This is 2021 Brenham,…..for what the taxes are here and the planning to move the FD over there no one thought about this?

  3. Isn’t somone supposed to check for underground utilities like water, gas and electric before digging?

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