Cause Found in Minneapolis Pipeline Explosion

The Minnesota Office of Pipeline Safety says an explosion in March 2011 in Minneapolis that sent flames hundreds of feet in the air was caused by the line's "inability to sustain external loads"- meaning things such as traffic, road, and soil.

The explosion shut down a large part of south Minneapolis near east 60th and Nicollet Avenue. Nobody was injured in the explosion, but it caused extensive damage to the area.

CenterPoint energy disagrees with the findings in the report, however, saying that the pipe failed because the ground beneath was washed out from a broken sewer or water pipe.

After the explosion, CenterPoint identified 11 other areas they considered 'high-risk' and they are being fixed. They would not disclose the locations of those pipes, citing security reasons.

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