The US Congress needs to hold a hearing on recent gas explosions and fires at dozens of homes in the state of Massachusetts, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey said in a letter on Friday.
WASHINGTON (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 14th September, 2018) The US Congress needs to hold a hearing on recent gas explosions and fires at dozens of homes in the state of Massachusetts, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey said in a letter on Friday.
"We urge the Committee to call a hearing immediately with representatives from [Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, National Transportation Safety Board], and the natural gas distribution industry, including Columbia Gas of Massachusetts and NiSource, in order to examine whether regulators have adequate authority and resources to detect and remedy violations, respond to natural gas accidents in a timely manner, and ensure better operating procedures for companies linked to repeated misconduct," the letter said.
The gas explosions caused between 60 and 80 fires at home in Lawrence, Andover, and North Andover, killing one person and injuring at least 25 others, according to the letter.
Media reports indicate the explosions may have been caused by over-pressurization of the pipeline system, the letter added.
The senators also noted that the same gas company, Columbia Gas of Massachusetts, was responsible for a 2012 explosion in Springfield that injured 18 people.
