The Columbia Gas Company posted a news release on their website today about upgrades to the gas system occurring around the state.
https://www.columbiagasma.com/en/about- ... sachusetts
Gas explosions & fires began about 4:45PM
If you are from outside the area or living under a rock, 1 18yo dead when house exploded and chimney fell onto a car in the driveway. He was sitting in the car. 10 or 11 in the hospital with injuries from explosions and some smoke inhalation.
5 exit ramps on I-495 closed (entrance ramps open). Power has been shut off. Evacuations have been ordered, especially in south Lawrence.
Andover, North Andover, and Lawrence south of the Merrimack River affected. 38 fires in Andover alone, something like 70 fires overall. Nobody from the gas company had spoken to Andover as-of 9PM. Andover fire struck 10 alarms + summoned two "task forces" from the state.
I ASSUME and SPECULATE that the gas company somehow connected the high-pressure system to the low pressure system, or broke the pressure regulator. I ASSUME that this has nothing to do with National Grid locking out their gas workers, but I assume those workers weren't available for mutual aid. National Grid and Columbia Gas are completely separate companies AFAIK.
Obviously, MBTA & Amtrak could not operate through an uncontrolled gas leak / fire zone. Presumably railroad equipment is out-of-position and needs to be moved.....