Investigation Underway on NGV Fuel Tank Failure

WASHINGTON--NGVAmerica reported today that an investigation is underway on the fuel tank failure in a natural gas-powered shuttle van in Los Angeles.

On Saturday, May 26, 2007, the van's fuel tank apparently ruptured while being fueled at a station in Carson, California owned by the Los Angeles County Department of Sanitation and operated by Clean Energy.

The tank rupture and resulting rapid decompression of the contents of the tank killed the van driver who was standing behind the vehicle.

News accounts of the incident reported that the driver's wife said that the van had recently been damaged in a rear end collision and had just been returned to service when the incident occurred. No other person was injured. An investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the failure.

NGVAmerica is a national organization dedicated to the development of a growing, sustainable and profitable market for vehicles powered by natural gas or hydrogen. NGVAmerica represents more than 120 companies interested in the promotion and use of natural gas and hydrogen as transportation fuels, including: engine, vehicle and equipment manufacturers; fleet operators and service providers; natural gas companies; and environmental groups and government organizations. For more information about NGVAmerica, visit our website at www.ngvamerica.org