Now, WSAZ reports that the well has been capped.
The Charleston Gazette is reporting that the fire has been put out, and the search for casualties is underway:
Crews apparently extinguished the fire just before 2 p.m. but a large amount of fumes remain in the air, said Kanawha County Commission President Kent Carper.
Carper said paramedics and emergency responders are going into homes and apartments now to assess injuries or fatalities
Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/west-virginia-natural-gas-explosion-2012-12#ixzz2Em4ce6I0
Thanks for the update. Sounds really bad. Listening to scanner now. Prayers up for all involved.
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.