The Latest: Gas utility expects extended restoration effort
LAWRENCE, Mass. (AP) — The Latest on gas explosions in Massachusetts (all times local):
6:43 a.m.
The company that provides natural gas service to the Massachusetts communities affected by a series of gas explosions and fires says it expects “an extended restoration effort.”
Columbia Gas in statement Friday morning said it is “working with the appropriate authorities to investigate this incident in order to understand its cause.”
The series of explosions and fires in Lawrence, Andover and North Andover killed a teenager, injured at least 10 other people and ignited fires in at least 39 homes.
The company says it needs to visit each of the 8,600 affected customers to shut off each gas meter and conduct a safety inspection.
About 18,000 customers in the region also had their electricity shut off in response to the explosions and many residents spent the night at shelters in area schools.
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10:55 p.m.
Authorities say an 18-year-old man has died after a house exploded amid gas explosions north of Boston, sending a chimney crashing into his car.
Officials have identified the victim as Leonel Rondon, of Lawrence. They say he was rushed to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, where he died around 8:30 p.m. EDT of his injuries.
Gov. Charlie Baker says 10 other people were injured Thursday in a series of fires and explosions that authorities blame on over-pressurized natural gas lines.
