Pipeline transportation safety investigation P24H0018

Table of contents

    Pipeline rupture and fire
    NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd.
    NPS 36 Grande Prairie Mainline
    Edson, Alberta

    The occurrence

    On 16 April 2024, at approximately 1045 Mountain Daylight Time (MDT), a pipeline operated by TC Energy, carrying sweet natural gas, ruptured near Edson, Alberta. The escaping gas ignited.

    The rupture created an approximately 450 square meters crater, and the resulting fire continued until the affected section of pipeline was isolated. No injuries were reported. The TSB is investigating.

    Media materials

    Deployment notice

    TSB deploys investigator following a pipeline rupture and subsequent fire of natural gas from a NOVA Gas Transmission Limited pipeline near Edson, Alberta

    Investigation information

    Map showing the location of the occurrence

    P24H0018

    Pipeline rupture and fire
    NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd.
    NPS 36 Grande Prairie Mainline
    Edson, Alberta

    Investigator-in-charge

    Image
    Photo of Adam McRae

    Adam McRae is an Engineering Specialist/ Senior Investigator, Pipeline. He previously worked at Natural Resources Canada, where he was conducting oil and gas air emission research. Prior to this, Adam spent 5 years in Calgary, Alberta, designing, building, and commissioning oil and gas flow measurement equipment both in Canada and internationally. He was previously based in Shanghai, China, with engineering consultancy Golder Associates working on a variety of projects, mainly in mining and environmental assessment. Mr. McRae holds a Bachelor of Applied Sciences in Chemical Engineering from the University of Waterloo.

    Photos

    Image
    The pipeline rupture created a large crater of approximately 450 square meters. (Source: TSB)

      Download high-resolution photos from the TSB Flickr page.

    Class of investigation

    This is a class 3 investigation. These investigations analyze a small number of safety issues, and may result in recommendations. Class 3 investigations are generally completed within 450 days. For more information, see the Policy on Occurrence Classification.

    TSB investigation process

    There are 3 phases to a TSB investigation

    1. Field phase: a team of investigators examines the occurrence site and wreckage, interviews witnesses and collects pertinent information.
    2. Examination and analysis phase: the TSB reviews pertinent records, tests components of the wreckage in the lab, determines the sequence of events and identifies safety deficiencies. When safety deficiencies are suspected or confirmed, the TSB advises the appropriate authority without waiting until publication of the final report.
    3. Report phase: a confidential draft report is approved by the Board and sent to persons and corporations who are directly concerned by the report. They then have the opportunity to dispute or correct information they believe to be incorrect. The Board considers all representations before approving the final report, which is subsequently released to the public.

    For more information, see our Investigation process page.

    The TSB is an independent agency that investigates air, marine, pipeline, and rail transportation occurrences. Its sole aim is the advancement of transportation safety. It is not the function of the Board to assign fault or determine civil or criminal liability.