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Abilene resident survives pipeline fire scare
Rita Franssen escaped injury by diving into her pool as flames passed over her head and leveled her home. She was released from an Abilene hospital Friday. Exxon Mobil and two utility agencies found no evidence of a call about the planned dig near the pipeline. Texas law requires pre digging calls for deeper than 16 inches with mechanized equipment. Officials were reviewing records for two nonprofit pipeline safety bodies but found no indication the excavation company contacted them. Exxon Mobil called the incident an avoidable deviation from common practice if proven. The excavation firm’s lawyer said authorities were alerted but did not identify callers or provide confirmation numbers.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Lubbock
Abilene
Rita Franssen
Exxon Mobil Corp
Smith Dozer Service
Texas
Texas Excavation Safety System Inc
One Call Board of Texas
George Scott Bishop
Exxon Mobil