Qu Hao, head of the General Office of the Tarim Oil Field under the China National Petroleum Corporation, confirmed Sunday that a device in the Kela II Gas Field exploded Friday and caught fire. It is expected to resume normal operation in three or five days. Currently the Yaha, Jilake and Sangnan gas fields are steadily supplying gas for the West-to-East gas transmission pipelines. The accident has had no impact on the downstream users.

Qu Hao said a gas-processing device exploded during test and adjustment operation at 3:10 p.m. June 3, 2005 in the Kela II Gas Field, causing a fire. The fire was put out two hours later after an emergency response plan had been implemented. The accident left two dead with no serious injuries. The cause of the accident and its economic damage are still under investigation.

By People's Daily Online