Utility settles with family hurt in natural gas explosions

LAWRENCE, Mass. — LAWRENCE, Mass. (AP) - The utility company responsible for September's natural gas explosions in Massachusetts has settled a negligence lawsuit from a family injured in the disaster.

Columbia Gas of Massachusetts and the Figueroa family didn't disclose the settlement amount Tuesday, but said it includes providing a motorized wheelchair, a mobility van and modifications to the family's Lawrence home.

Twenty-one-year-old Shakira Figueroa was severely injured and two other family members were hurt in the blast. A family friend, 18-year-old Leonel Rondon, died when the home's chimney fell on his SUV.

Related: Timeline of events during Merrimack Valley gas explosions

Socrates De La Cruz, the family's lawyer, said the settlement is "an important step" toward healing but the family will never be the same.

Joe Hamrock, head of NiSource, Columbia Gas' parent company, said "our hearts go out" to the family and the community.

Associated Press