NTSB Launches Team to Natural Gas Pipeline Rupture in West Virginia

WASHINGTON - The National Transportation Safety Board is launching a go-team to investigate a natural gas transmission pipeline rupture and subsequent fire in Sissonville, W.Va., which is about 10 miles outside of Charleston.

Ravi Chhatre is leading the team as the Investigator-in-Charge. The team will travel to West Virginia tonight and arrive on scene tomorrow.

Member Robert Sumwalt is accompanying the team and will serve as the principal spokesman during the on-scene phase of the investigation.

Public Affairs Officer Peter Knudson will also be in West Virginia to coordinate media related activities. He can be reached at (202) 557-1350 after arriving on scene tonight.

NTSB investigators Ravi Chhatre and Matthew Nicholson at initial on-site briefing for Sissonville, WV, pipeline accident.	Investigators examine diagram of pipeline specifications at accident site in Sissonville, WV.	Member Robert Sumwalt is briefed on emergency response activities by West Virginia authorities.
NTSB Investigator In Charge Ravi Chhatre coordinates initial on scene activities.	Member Robert Sumwalt views site of rupture.	NTSB investigator Matt Nicholson examines diagram of pipeline specifications.
Investigator In Charge Ravi Chhatre oversees the acquisition of on scene measurements.	Destroyed home near site of pipeline rupture.	Member Robert Sumwalt briefs media on pipeline rupture at Yager airport in Charleston, West Virginia.
A section of pipe found more than 40 feet from the rupture site.	NTSB Investigator Joseph Panagiotou documents fire and heat damage on scene.	NTSB metallurgist Donald Kramer documents information on the ruptured segment of pipe in Sissonville, West Virginia.
NTSB Investigators on scene of pipeline rupture in Sissonville, West Virginia.	NTSB metallurgist Donald Kramer on scene of pipeline rupture in Sissonville, West Virginia.	NTSB senior materials engineer Don Kramer identifies a section of pipe to be cut and removed for further examination at the NTSB's lab in Ashburn, Va.
Kramer uses a plasma cutting torch to remove the section of the pipe.