A public hearing into the deadly pipeline rupture and explosion in San Bruno last September began yesterday in Washington, D.C.

Expert witnesses will be providing sworn testimony during the hearing, which is expected to continue through tomorrow. Additionally, several organizations will be granted "party status" to the hearing so that they may question the witnesses directly. The witnesses and parties will represent a range of government and industry communities and other officials who provide oversight. The NTSB says the goal is for the Safety Board to learn more about the issues identified in the incident, which claimed the lives of eight people.

Parties to the hearing include:
  • Pacific Gas & Electric
  • California Public Utilities Commission
  • Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
  • City of San Bruno
  • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1245
The hearing is taking place in the NTSB Board Room and Conference Center (429 L'Enfant Plaza, SW, Washington, DC 20594). It is open for public observation and free to attend; no registration is required. It will also be webcast live onwww.ntsb.gov.