Avella, Pa. – Several fire departments in Western Pennsylvania responded to a fire on Wednesday afternoon at a natural gas site approximately 15 miles southeast of Follansbee, W.Va. according to reports from WTOV 9 and WCSH 6 News. Three contract workers were reported to be injured as a result of the fire.
Several liquid storage tanks caught fire causing several explosions, and continued burning until approximately 10 p.m. before it was extinguished by fire crews. Two of the three fire victims were flown by medical helicopter to Pittsburgh hospitals and one was transported by ambulance. Their names and conditions have not been released.
Firefighters remained at the site, owned by Chesapeake Appalachia, to insure its stability and keep the fire from reigniting. Washington County fire departments from Franklin Township, Hooverson Heights, Wellsburg, Follansbee, Bethany Pike, Bethany, Beech Bottom and McKinleyville, received assistance from Brooke County’s tanker task force.
Reports indicate nearly every volunteer fire department in Brooke County crossed the state line to assist in the firefighting effort. Fire departments throughout Brooke County were invited to attend special training sessions with companies that specialize in fighting natural-gas fires earlier this year.
Regulators believe no threat exists to residents living nearby. Three gas wells on the site were not affected. Authorities report that investigations regarding the cause will continue on Thursday.
Video provided by WCSH 6.
