Massive Gas Pipeline Blasts Force Evacuations in Andover Area
On Thursday, a freak cascade of blasts swept through Lawrence, Andover, and North Andover, sending waves of shock and smoke across the suburbs just 25 miles north of Boston. Those big booms, caused by a gas pipeline breaking under pressure, left at least six people hurt and forced hundreds of families to run for cover.
What Went Down
- Gas Main Over‑Pressurization: Fire officials blame a sudden spike in gas pressure for the chain of explosions.
- Lights Out: Power was shut off the moment the firefighters tackled the first blaze, turning the streets into a dim, eerie canvas.
- Burning Bras: Within minutes, the flames were licking bricks and roofs in all three towns, sparking a scramble to tame the inferno.
Injury Report
- Andover: At least three people, including a brave firefighter, sustained injuries.
- Lawrence: Six patients are currently at Lawrence General Hospital, with two in critical condition.
- Hospital Questions: It’s still unclear whether the patients from Lawrence began the incident in Andover.
Response Efforts
Firefighters dashed into battle while utility crews cut off gas flow to keep the chaos from expanding. The @fighters of the Andover Fire Department, led by Chief Michael Mansfield, held the front line and warned that the blasts stemmed from a broken pressure system.
What to Expect Next
- Increased Scrutiny: Authorities will scrutinize pipeline pressures and strengthen safeguards.
- Community Support: Local shelters will remain open for those displaced by the evacuation.
- Recovery: As the fires die down, teams will work to restore gas service and power the towns back to normal.
With a mix of courage, quick action, and a dash of luck, the Andover area is on its way to waving goodbye to the natural gas fumes and heading back to ordinary living. The healing process is still underway, but the spirits are high, and the community remains resilient.
Massachusetts Gas Chaos: Firefighters, House Fires, and a Whole Lot of Smoke
“We’re Still Trying to Put the Fires Out!”
Fire Chief Mansfield was rattled when fire crews finished one blaze only to uncover a fresh one burning right next door. “This has been an overwhelming event,” he told reporters. “It’s not over tonight. It could keep going for another week or a week and a half.”
The Numbers Behind the Nightmares
- 70 fires, explosions or gas‑odor investigations reported.
- About 50 fire departments dispatched across the state.
- Local media had a flood of photos showing homes in flames or collapsed.
Seeing It First‑Hand in North Andover
Laurie Williams, 55, came home amid a parking lot of police and fire engines. “It was scary,” she said. “Smoke was blowing off the skyline and I thought, “What the heck, a gas explosion.”
Who’s Upgrading the Gas Lines?
Columbia Gas, part of NiSource, had already been telling folks they’d be upgrading lines that day. Ken Stammen, a NiSource spokesman, said, “We’re investigating what happened on our system today.”
State and National Backup
The Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is sending a team to bolster the emergency effort.
Evacuate, Evacuate, Evacuate!
North Andover’s town manager, Andrew Maylor, urged residents to leave their homes until further notice. State police told Columbia Gas customers to evacuate because the utility was lowering pressure and it would take time to shut down service entirely.
Power Cuts and Past Blasts
Lawrence Mayor Dan Rivera added that southern city residents needed to evacuate due to planned power cuts. Six years ago, Columbia Gas admitted fault in a Springfield explosion that injured 17 people when a technician accidentally punctured a line while investigating a nightclub’s gas odor.
Plain Speak, Funny Groove
Picture yourself standing on a street occupied by a parade of fire trucks, a garage full of smoke, and a neighborhood that’s feeling the heat—literally. It’s a grim reminder that sometimes, when you’re all ready to put out one fire, the universe says, “Hold up, here’s another!” The news is all about the relentless steam, the swift evacuations, and the gas lines that promised upgrades but left a shaky trail of dealing with hot stuff.
