SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 24 (UPI) -- Additional experts are called on to examine what caused a deadly natural gas explosion in San Bruno, Calif., the state's public utilities commission said.
A natural gas pipeline burst Sept. 9, sparking a massive fireball that ripped through the region. The explosion killed seven people and destroyed 37 homes.
Pacific Gas and Electric Co., the utility responsible for the San Bruno pipeline, compiled a list of 100 high-risk pipeline sections, though the San Bruno line wasn't on that list.
Authorities say they believe internal corrosion may have lead to the failure of the pipeline. The California Public Utilities Commission said it would set up an independent panel within a month to examine PG&E's safety records and gather the facts regarding the Sept. 9 blast.
Michael Peevey, the president of the California utility, added in a statement he would set up the panel to investigate whether or not there were any systemic management problems at PG&E.
"I also expect the panel to recommend any improvements they think we might need here at the CPUC," he said.
Meanwhile, U.S. Sens. Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., sponsored a 23-page bill that requires the installation of automatic pipeline valves, inspection devices and federal standards for leak detection on pipelines, Feinstein's office announced.
