A construction crew accidentally punctured a natural gas pipeline during work near Blair Creek last fall, releasing thousands of cubic metres of gas but causing no injuries, according to a new Transportation Safety Board of Canada investigation.
The incident happened on Nov. 15, 2025, while crews were installing a new pipeline beneath an existing Westcoast Energy natural gas line. Investigators said a steel pipe being used to shore an observation hole accidentally punctured the buried pipeline, releasing about 47,310 cubic metres of natural gas.
The gas did not ignite and all workers in the immediate area evacuated safely. No injuries were reported and no public evacuation was required.
The Transportation Safety Board found the pipeline’s original marker had been removed during earlier cleanup work. A replacement survey stake was later installed in the wrong location without the pipeline being re-exposed, causing crews to dig in the wrong location.
Following the incident, the Canada Energy Regulator ordered Westcoast Energy and its contractor to strengthen their pipeline identification and ground disturbance procedures. Both organizations have since updated their safety practices and provided additional training to workers.
The Transportation Safety Board said the incident highlights the importance of accurately identifying buried infrastructure before excavation begins to help prevent damage and protect worker safety.
