Ohio Pipeline Explosion Injures Two, Damages Three Homes

Residents in Noble County, Ohio, about two hours west of Pittsburgh, are recovering after a natural gas pipeline explosion rocked their community on Monday morning. Two people were injured, and three homes were damaged.

One 12-year old boy suffered second degree burns on the back of his head, neck and legs. His mother, who did not want the family to be identified, says she is thankful her son is alive today. The family is now staying at a hotel, because the only thing left of their home after the explosion and fire is the basement.

The pipeline that exploded in eastern Ohio was more than 65 years old, and is part of the Texas Eastern Pipeline systemowned by the Canadian company Enbridge. It’s a transmission line that carries natural gas from the Gulf Coast to the Mid Atlantic, and runs through southern Pennsylvania. The pipeline is part of the same system that ruptured in Westmoreland County in 2016, badly burning one man.

Enbridge says it’s working with state and federal regulators to determine the cause, and to monitor repairs and environmental impacts.

In a statement, the company says that an inspection of the pipeline in 2012 found that it did not need remediation.