People in the area have reported hearing multiple explosions, their homes shook, and are seeing flames shooting 300 feet in the air.
Another witness says that she could feel the heat from the fire and explosion hundreds of feet away.
A woman who had just put her children on the bus felt her house shake and she is in 45 minutes away from the gas pipeline explosion.
I will update as information comes in.
Audio available at WOUB Public Media They have some video up now and they are updating the story. So far, no injuries have been reported.
One lady who lived 100′ from the pipeline sustained burns. The most disturbing thing is they still do not know whose pipeline it is–even the pipeline companies.
An UPDATE about the Ohio gas explosion from the comments:
Athens County: 1 hurt in pipeline explosion. They have several videos.
About Sharon Wilson
Sharon Wilson is considered a leading citizen expert on the impacts of shale oil and gas extraction. She is the go-to person whether it’s top EPA officials from D.C., national and international news networks, or residents facing the shock of eminent domain and the devastating environmental effects of natural gas development in their backyards.
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Hi Sharon
This is recent and has video:
http://www.wkyc.com/news/state/article/215236/23/Athens-County-1-hurt-in-pipeline-explosion
Thank you!
Tennessee Gas has had 63 reportable accidents 2006-2011, until this morning. They have had 2 previous PMHSA “serious” category accidents.
http://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/comm/reports/operator/Operatorlist.html?nocache=9151#
More coverage:
http://www.zanesvilletimesrecorder.com/article/20111116/NEWS01/111116003/Gas-line-explodes-near-Athens-Morgan-County-line?odyssey=nav|head
Someone else has learned how to use the PHMSA Enforcement site, it seems. Gee, Tennessee Gas Pipeline has had previous safety issues. If this was an airline, would you use them to fly?
http://www.zanesvilletimesrecorder.com/article/20111116/NEWS01/111116009/Pipeline-s-owner-cited-often-noncompliance
“According to Shane Cartmill of the State Fire Marshal’s Office, upon the arrival of emergency officials, two occupied homes, one unoccupied home, two barns, and nearby woodlands were fully involved in fire.”
http://www.mydailysentinel.com/view/full_story/16461644/article-Gas-line-explosion-results-in-injuries–destruction?instance=home_news_lead