Posted on 12/11/2012 11:00:48 AM PST by Morgana
Reports are coming in of a big explosion in Sissonville, West Virginia.
Via local news outlet WSAZ:
The northbound lanes of Interstate 77 are closed in the Sissonville area, from Tuppers Creek to Pocatalico due to what's being called a major gas line explosion.
Kanawha County Commission President Kent Carper tells WSAZ.com crews were called to what was described as a major gas line explosion in Sissonville.
WSAZ says that right now, no injuries or fatalities have been reported.
Below are two photos from Twitter. The first was posted by Charleston Gazette reporter
(Excerpt) Read more at businessinsider.com ...
Thanks. The only town in WV I am familiar with is Princeton, as my brother lives there.
http://www.wsaz.com/breaking/home/BREAKING-NEWS—Explosion-Reported-in-Sissonville-183019371.html
BREAKING NEWS: Shelter in Place Issued After Gas Line Explosion in Sissonville
SISSONVILLE, W.Va. (WSAZ) — According to Metro 911, people in the area are being asked to shelter in place after a major gas explosion has been reported in Sissonville.
Sissonville Elementary is not being evacuated, but sheltering
in place.
NGK Spark Plugs in Sissonville tells WSAZ.com that they are shutting down the plant for A and B shift. C shift is to report as scheduled.
Emergency crews at the scene tell WSAZ.com that the gas line has been capped.
Right now, the northbound lanes of I-77 are shut down at the I-77/79 split in Charleston. All traffic is being diverted to I-79N.
Kanawha County Commission President Kent Carper tells WSAZ.com crews were called to what was described as a major gas line explosion in Sissonville.
The fire was reported just before 1 p.m. along Teresa Lane in Sissonville.
President Carper says fires have been reported in multiple locations. This explosion happened very close to Cedar Ridge Nursing Home, according to Carper.
So far no injuries or fatalities have been reported.
Drivers near the area say they can see flames shooting in the air.
Rt. 21 will be limited to emergency vehicles.
Sgt. Michael Baylous tells WSAZ.com the line belongs to Columbia Gas. Crews are currently on the scene.
A spokesperson with Mountaineer Gas says the line is not theirs, but the company does have crews helping to assist in the area.
Kanawha County Schools issued an automated message about 2:30 p.m. letting parents know who have children attending schools in the Sissonville area are safe and will remain at the school until the roads reopen.
We have a crew at the scene. Keep clicking on WSAZ.com for the latest information.
Northbound lanes closed. Southbound, no problemo.
They just interrupted all stations here to stop traffic on I-77. That’s how I heard about it. The siren was so loud it scared the baby near to death. Me too. Never had that kind of interruption on Nick Jr. channel.
Happened to see pics from a friend who lives out there. That is how I found out. Am desperatly trying to call someone I know who’s son works at the spark plug plant. I think her son is okay but am still worried.
No deaths reported but people taken to hospital for too much smoke.
I have called some people that are out in Blue Creek to warn them of the smokey air coming their way. —if you are in or near Clendenin or the Queen shoals area there are reports of smoke heavy in the air.
Thank the Lord for the rain we have had last three days!!! Do you realize what kind of forest fire this could have been?
Oh honey Princeton is way down in Mercer county!!! This happened in Kanawha County.
“Isnt Sissonville where Buckwild is shot?”
Yes and I think their moonshine still just blew up.
There are reports coming in that this was the case.
“A gas well explosion rocked Sissonville shortly before 1 p.m. today, setting several homes on fire and forcing officials to issue a shelter in place for local residents.”
Unfortunately it is. Tempting as it may be to insert a pun line or two on this, I will resist and offer prayers to all who may have been effected by this inferno.
So far no deaths reported and been glued to the TV and police scanner.
Only injuries are from breathing smoke.
Did hear several moments ago about the Dog Warden going out to Sissonville but could not catch was that was about.
So go ahead. Yea it was Buckwild’s Moonshine still exploding.
I always enjoy your posts when your engineer hat is on. I remember what you said about Sandy and how NYC will have problems in the future on how they tackled the problem and it wasn’t good!
Thanks for the pictures, if that pipe was ever on any road I traveled - I never noticed them but now I will and know what they are for.
Does a state have engineers inspecting the crossings and is the only way to do this is rip up the road? Do they have ‘ex rays’ to do this?
Yes, I looked at the map. Rt 77 runs N/S and he’s a distance south of Sissonville.
Just the news folk running around doing what they do best :)
I have a good friend north of there who has a large pipeline that runs across his property. He gets free gas to his house as part of an old contract to have some sort of valve on his place.
Always seemed like a great deal, but after seeing these pics I’m not so sure about that ...
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