A gas pipeline explosion in La Boca, New Mexico, sent flames high into the air and shook a nearby home, adding to concerns about fossil fuel infrastructure in San Juan County.
Resident Dave Valdez compared the sound to a jet engine: "It wasn't just a pop; it sounded like somebody just turned on an F-16 right next to me and left it running," he said.
He added: "It was loud, intense. I felt the ground shake a little bit right before my electricity went off."
Here's what to know
Citing Source New Mexico reporter Debra Mayeux, an Instagram post from New Mexico Climate Justice said Harvest Midstream spokesperson Jerrod T. Jones reported a pipeline explosion around 2 p.m. in the La Boca area of San Juan County on Tuesday. The post said flames were rising about 100 feet into the air.
According to Jones, "Crews responded, the flow of gas to this portion of the system was stopped, and crews continue to coordinate with first responders as they address conditions in the surrounding area."
Jones added that all crew members were accounted for, no injuries had been reported, and the cause had not yet been identified.
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Before he could get a full look at what happened, Valdez said he could already feel it.
Once outside, he saw flames shooting upward.
More background
Valdez said, "At that point, I knew immediately that it was oil field-related," and added, "I can't say exactly how much of a flame is shooting up into the sky, but I'm going to guess 150 feet or more, and almost that much wide."
Incidents tied to fossil fuel systems can immediately disrupt communities, causing power outages and safety concerns.
Beyond major accidents, the fossil fuel industry can also harm nearby communities in less visible ways. Coal and natural gas power plants contribute to air and water pollution linked to asthma, heart disease, cancer, and premature death.
In its post, New Mexico Climate Justice said, "Another example of oil and gas polluting New Mexico," and linked the La Boca explosion to a broader debate about the risks of relying on fossil fuels.
What's being done?
After the La Boca explosion was reported, Jones said the operator stopped the flow of gas to that portion of the system.
The company said crews were still coordinating with first responders about conditions in the surrounding area.
Jones said the cause remained unknown.
Where can I learn more?
Other pipeline and gas infrastructure failures have also put nearby communities at risk. They include explosions, spills, expansion fights, and pollution tied to oil and gas systems.
• In North Texas, decades-old plastic gas pipes were tied to a home explosion.
• In Colorado, tribal leaders condemned an inadequate response after a massive fuel spill.
• In East Los Angeles, construction crews ruptured a 16-inch pipeline, sending crude oil into streets.
• In North Carolina, records showed a public health danger tied to a pipeline expansion plan.
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