Utility crew was working at 'ground zero' site day of Lawrence gas explosions

LAWRENCE, Mass. — Investigators appeared to be focused on one intersection in Lawrence as the possible 'ground zero' of last week’s gas explosions.

A series of fires and explosions set off by over-pressurized gas lines broke out in the Merrimack Valley last Thursday across North Andover, Lawrence and Andover.

A law enforcement source tells Boston 25 News the intersection of South Union and Salem streets is being scrutinized by investigators as a possible trigger point for the gas explosions. Utility crews were working in the hole just before the gas explosions and fires broke out on Sept. 13, the source said.

On Friday morning, Feeney Brothers Utility released a statement saying it had a crew working there on the day of the explosions:

A Feeney Brothers crew was working at the direction and with instructions from Columbia Gas on a low-pressure to low-pressure gas main tie-in at the intersection of South Union and Salem Streets on September 13, the day of the tragedy in the Merrimack Valley.
 
All of Feeney's work was done with Columbia Gas's oversight and according to written procedures provided to its crew by Columbia Gas and directly overseen by a union inspector employed by Columbia Gas.  
 
Feeney's crew and Columbia Gas's inspector were interviewed by Columbia Gas managers in the early hours of Friday morning after which Columbia Gas reported that our crew was solid and had done nothing wrong.  This was subsequently confirmed by other Columbia Gas representatives who indicated that Feeney followed the Columbia Gas procedures correctly and as directed.
 
Feeney has assisted with the NTSB's investigation and our four crew members have been interviewed by the NTSB.  While the investigation will take time, we have no doubt that Feeney's crew will be found to have done their work professionally, safely and correctly.  We stand by our crew and all our workers.  
 
We are standing by at the Feeney Brothers' facilities in Lawrence with resources to assist the people of the Merrimack Valley and whoever is working to restore gas as soon as possible to this resilient community.

A handful of state police and Columbia Gas workers were at the intersection Thursday shutting down traffic and marking gas lines with spray point.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Fred Wyshak was also on scene, examining a large hole at the intersection with officials from the FBI and NTSB. The Massachusetts State Police were seen flying a drone over the area.

Columbia Gas said it hopes to have service restored to all homes and workplaces by November 19.

"We are turning gas service back on for the customers whose service was turned off but who are not on the gas system impacted by the incident. We expect restoration to take several months for those on the system directly impacted by the incident."

>> Read: Statement on restoration to the affected area

For those outside of the affected area, Columbia Gas says there are about 320 customers remaining who are awaiting restoration. More crews will be working Friday to get those homes and businesses reconnected.

Governor Charlie Baker spoke at a news conference at 11 a.m. Friday on the long-term pipeline restoration plan with the CEO of Columbia Gas' parent company, NiSource, and officials from the three affected towns:

MORE: Over 1,000 customers still waiting for gas restoration in Merrimack Valley

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