SAN FRANCISCO — Federal investigators probing the cause of a massive Chevron oil-refinery fire are focusing on possible corrosion in a decades-old pipe the company inspected last year but did not replace.
Investigators with the U.S. Chemical Safety Board told The Associated Press on Saturday that the November inspection led Chevron to replace an old pipe connected to the one that failed Monday.
The fire exploded when a vapor cloud ignited, endangering more than a dozen workers. The resulting blaze sent up thick smoke and caused thousands to seek medical attention for related health issues in one of the most serious U.S. refinery fires in recent years.
Chevron said Saturday it too is seeking to understand why the accident occurred. “We agree that this is a serious incident that warrants thorough investigation,” said Sean Comey, a company spokesman. “We are cooperating with all regulatory agencies and are committed to better understanding the root cause of this incident.” The Associated Press
