Testing postponed on Fresno PG&E pipeline that exploded

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Testing has been postponed on a PG&E pipeline that exploded in April at the Fresno peace officers gun range.

The power company has hired well-known industry defense investigators to test a 20-foot portion of gas pipeline taken from the site of the explosion.

Attorneys for the people injured in the blast say PG&E initially offered to let them monitor testing, but only if they agreed not to go public with anything they learned -- at least until a trial.

The CPUC sent a letter to all parties involved saying that no outside party would be allowed on the site so as to not interfere with the investigation.

PG&E issued a statement in response saying:

The CPUC is the lead agency investigating the April 18 dig-in. Separately, with CPUC's approval, Exponent, a third-party engineering firm, was engaged to conduct an independent analysis on the section of pipe damaged during the incident. As the lead investigatory agency, the CPUC is coordinating participation with all parties currently involved. The CPUC directed Exponent to reschedule testing to begin on May 11th.