Pennsylvania explosion: Evacuations and destroyed homes near Pittsburgh after huge gas line blast
Nearby residents are taking shelter in a fire station
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Your support makes all the difference.Residents have been forced to evacuate after a gas line explosion outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania destroyed buildings amid massive flames.
There have been no reported injuries as yet but the 5 am explosion and fire affected the approximately 30 homes within a half-mile radius.
The line is operated by a company called Energy Transfer in Center Township, a suburb approximately 25 miles northwest of Pittsburgh.
At least one home, two garages, and several cars have been destroyed as a result of the explosion and resulting blaze. Nearby residents were taking shelter in a fire station.
While there were no injuries attributed to the explosion itself, Center Township Police Chief Barry Kramer said some evacuees required medical assistance because of pre-existing “medical conditions”.
Energy Transfer employees told police the line had been shut off approximately one hour after the explosion, but it took time for the remaining gas in the line to burn away.
“There were two isolation valves, about 15 miles apart, one on the Center Township side and one going towards Burgettstown. At about 5:52, that was shut off but it took time to burn the gas that was remaining in the line out,” Mr Kramer said.
Surrounding power lines also fell during the explosion and electric company employees have been working to deactivate and remove those lines to prevent further potential damage.
Mr Kramer said Penn Power, Duquesne Light, and First Energy were on the scene “to make it safe so we can get those lines removed and reopen that highway” which the downed lines have been blocking.
Central Valley School District has cancelled classes today.
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