50 Homes Destroyed! Multiple Gas Explosions In Lawrence, Andover & North Andover Masschusetts (Video)

A home on Chickering Rd in Lawrence exploded (WBZ-TV)

LAWRENCE – Residents in three communities north of Boston are being asked to evacuate their homes after there were dozens of explosions and fires.

An issue with a high pressure gas main has affected Lawrence, North Andover and Andover. Anyone who has gas service from Columbia Gas is being told to leave their homes until further notice.

Massachusetts State Police say gas lines are currently being depressurized by the company. Power has been shut off in the three communities as a precaution.

There were a total of 35 fires in Andover alone. All fires have been extinguished, but at peak, 18 fires were burning at the same time. At least three people have been injured in Andover, including one firefighter and at least two civilians.

Governor Charlie Baker says he communicating with safety officials. “The administration urges residents to heed instructions from local officials for important public safety announcements, including evacuations and suspending gas usage,” Gov. Baker’s spokeswoman said.

A home on Chickering Road in Lawrence appears to have exploded. Video from SkyEye shows the home with extensive damage and the chimney collapsed onto an SUV in the driveway. WBZ-TV’s Gary Brode says one person was taken to the hospital from the scene.

All Off-Ramps on I-495 from Exits 42 through 45 in the area are closed. On ramps remain open to allow evacuation.

The FBI says they are also investigating the explosions. “We are coordinating with our law enforcement partners as expected and personnel are on scene, as we normally would be in a situation like this to assess the situation,” the FBI said in a statement.

Lawrence Mayor Dan Rivera says the issue appears to be in the southeast part of the city.

“What we know is that there have been multiple explosions, multiple fires that are happening across the city,” Rivera told WBZ. “What we need folks to do is that if it’s happening in your home, you have a funny smell, just evacuate, come out to the street.”

WBZ-TV’s Kristina Rex says Andover Police sent out an automated phone call telling residents to evacuate their homes and turn off the gas.

North Andover Police told residents and businesses with gas service to exit their buildings until further notice.

The area is covered by Columbia for gas, but National Grid for electric. National Grid says their electric crews are responding to assist.

WBZ-TV’s Cheryl Fiandaca reports that Columbia was doing work in the area earlier on Thursday.

Source CBSBoston.com

I host the Church of Mabus radio show and it is going on 8 years. I’ve been in the paranormal community for 20 years. I provide content from a network of sources and guests and allies. Ranging from Politics to the Paranormal and the Spiritual. You can check out my other articles here at my BIOGRAPHY at BIN and you can check out my free radio show at this link HERE. Thanks for showing your support and stopping by.