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Natural Gas Pipeline Explosion In Westmoreland County

News media in Western PA reported Friday morning there was a natural gas explosion from a pipeline in Salem Township, Westmoreland County, near Murrysville along Route 22. One person was reported injured.

The Department of Environmental Protection provided an update on the incident late Friday afternoon:

-- At approximately 0830, a natural gas pipeline ruptured, causing a fire;

-- The cause of this fire is will be investigated by the federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration;

-- At 0922 the pipeline was shut off, however residual gases are expected to burn for several hours and a one-quarter mile evacuation is in effect until further notice;

-- The pipeline is operated by Spectra Energy (originally Texas Eastern Transmission);

-- There are four pipelines in the right-of-way; at this time it is unknown which of the pipelines is associated with the fire or the condition of the lines, but all have been de-pressurized;

-- There is a natural gas injection well operated by Dominion on-site for storage reservoir observation purposes; it has been shut in and a mechanical integrity assessment will need to be conducted prior to placing the well back in service. DEP Oil & Gas staff are on-site

-- DEP staff are on-site monitoring air quality.

This is an ongoing story that will be updated.

NewsClips:

Residents, Gas Firm Shift Focus To Recovery After Pipeline Explosion

AP: Pipelines Drained, Feds Investigating Cause Of Explosion

No Cause Found Yet In Westmoreland Gas Explosion

AP: Huge Fireball In Gas Explosion Burns Homes, Fleeing Man

AP: Firm Says Pipeline In Fire Was Fine In 2012

Man Burned In Westmoreland Gas Line Explosion

View Incredible Damage After Pipeline Explodes In Westmoreland

Man Injured After Pipeline Explodes Near His Home In Western PA

Video: WTAE Natural Gas Explosion In Salem Township