Residents of Essex County were asked to evacuate homes and businesses Thursday following numerous explosions related to overpressurized gas lines.
A map released by the Mass. State Police showed 39 different fires across Lawrence, Andover and North Andover, with fire authorities pointing to high-pressure gas lines as the cause.
Updated plotting of confirmed fires and explosions by MSP Watch Center. 39 locations confirmed thus far. Number will grow. New responses ongoing. Reminder: all residents of Lawrence/Andover/N Andover who have Columbia Gas must evacuate, as should anyone else who smells gas. pic.twitter.com/IwD4phgTfu
— Mass State Police (@MassStatePolice) September 13, 2018
According to WCVB, “Lawrence Mayor Dan Rivera estimated there are between 20 and 25 fires across the city.”
State police warned in a tweet: “Residents in the affected towns of Lawrence/North Andover/Andover who have gas service from Columbia Gas should evacuate their homes immediately if they have not already done so. Gas lines are currently being depressurized by the company it will take some time.”
Residents in the affected towns of Lawrence/North Andover/Andover who have gas service from Columbia Gas should evacuate their homes immediately if they have not already done so. Gas lines are currently being depressurized by the company it will take some time.
— Mass State Police (@MassStatePolice) September 13, 2018
ATTENTION ANDOVER: if you know how to safely shut off your gas, please do so. Residents and businesses are being advised to evacuate. We will post updates as soon as we have information.
— Town of Andover, MA (@AndoverMaGov) September 13, 2018
ATTENTION ANDOVER: Visit https://t.co/DV1XycGDIa for the most up to date information. The Senior Center and Youth Center at 2 Whittier Court will be open for displaced residents. More information to come.
— Town of Andover, MA (@AndoverMaGov) September 13, 2018
MSP Troopers on scene, more responding, to Lawrence/Andover/North Andover to assist with scene security and traffic control after multiple suspected gas explosions and structure fires. Developing.
— Mass State Police (@MassStatePolice) September 13, 2018
MSP Watch center has confirmed response to 17 separate addresses for fire,explosion, or investigation to Lawrence/Andover/North Andover. Developing.
— Mass State Police (@MassStatePolice) September 13, 2018
Numerous evacuations of neighborhoods where there are gas odors are underway. Far too early to speculate on cause. Joint investigation will be conducted when situation is stabilized.
— Mass State Police (@MassStatePolice) September 13, 2018
Fires in the region multiplied so quickly, a Twitter account set up to monitor Essex County had a difficult time keeping up with alerts.
WCVB reports the Columbia Gas Company provides service to over 50,000 residents in the Merrimack Valley region.
From Fox 25 Boston:
This is a developing story, so stay tuned and remember to help fight the Infowar by going to infowars.com/show, getting the free app and subscribing to our newsletter.
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