Otero County family tie reported in deadly Lea County pipeline explosion

Two people died Tuesday near Eunice; officials have not released names or a cause

An Otero County mother said in a social media post that her son was one of the two people killed Tuesday in a pipeline explosion in the Lea County oilfield.

The claim has not been verified. Out of sensitivity to the family, this publication is not reporting her son's name or other unconfirmed details until official sources verify them.

Authorities have not publicly identified either victim. The Lea County Sheriff's Office said the names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin, and that no further details will be released while the investigation is active.

Deputies were called at about 1:04 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, to an industrial accident involving a fire on a pipeline in the oilfield near Highway 176 and Bootleg Road, west of Eunice, the sheriff's office said. Two people were found dead at the scene.

Lea County officials placed the explosion near Paduca Breaks and Alisha Lane. The Eunice and Jal fire departments, the sheriff's office and the county Office of Emergency Management responded.

No evacuations were ordered and no structures were damaged, the county said. Lease roads in the area were closed temporarily while company representatives worked with emergency crews.

The sheriff's office called it an isolated incident and said there is no ongoing threat to the public.

Officials have not said what caused the explosion, what work was under way at the time, or which company owns or operates the line. They also have not said who employed the two people who died.

The Lea County explosion was one of two pipeline emergencies in New Mexico on Tuesday. A ruptured gas line near La Boca in San Juan County sent flames about 100 feet into the air and started a wildfire, according to the Santa Fe New Mexican.

This story will be updated as more information is released.

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