Pipeline transportation safety investigation P24H0018

Table of contents

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

    The occurrence

    On 16 April 2024, at approximately 1045 Mountain Daylight Time, a 36-inch (914 mm) pipeline operated by NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd., transporting sweet natural gas, ruptured about 36.5 km northwest of Edson, Alberta. Following the rupture, the natural gas ignited, resulting in a fire that self-extinguished about 3 hours later. Approximately 5 980 000 m3 of natural gas was released. There were no injuries, and no evacuation of members of the public was required.

    The rupture created a 7 metre-deep crater approximately 40 metres by 20 metres.  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.
    36-inch Grande Prairie Mainline
    Edson, Alberta 

    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.