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.
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.
Mass State Police joined federal investigators from U.S Attorney’s Office, FBI and NTSB at the intersection of Salem and South Union streets in South Lawrence. Source said they’re looking at this spot as possible “ground zero” for Thursday’s explosions. @boston25 pic.twitter.com/3F6ktdhuk5
— Jason Law (@JasonLawNews) September 20, 2018
Columbia Gas said in a statement posted on their website Thursday that customers who were directly impacted by the incident -- the thousands of customers who are served by the 48-mile pipeline that will be replaced -- will be without gas for "several months." That would leave customers without heat, hot water and gas for cooking during the winter months.
"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 is scheduled to speak 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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