07/26/2010 // WPB, FL, USA // Nicole Howley // Nicole Howley

Pittsburgh, PA—A welder’s spark likely ignited a massive explosion and fire at a natural gas well that left two people dead on Friday, July 23, 2010. The blast occurred around 9:50 a.m., in a rural area of Indiana Township, just northeast of Pittsburgh, reports the Associated Press.

A raging fire and billowing plumes of black smoke poured for hours as responding fire crews tried to contain the flames with foam at the shallow well, dubbed Murray Heirs No. 6. Even people as far as a half-mile away felt the blast and witnessed the clouds of black smoke rise into the air.

Officials are unsure what exactly ignited the explosion and subsequent fire, but welders were reportedly at the site when the blast occurred. A spokesperson for the state Department of Environmental Protection said, “Why they were welding or what caused the explosion, I don’t know yet…A truck near the well had its paint scorched off and at least one of its tires had melted.”

Two people were reportedly killed in the blast, but their identities are currently unknown.

Huntley & Huntley Inc. reportedly owns the well where the blast took place. A full investigation into the deadly explosion and fire is currently underway.

Legal News Reporter: Nicole Howley-Legal news for Pennsylvania work-related accident lawyers.

Media Information:

Address:
Phone: 561-247-1646
Url: http://NicoleHowley.visionsmartnews.com/pittsburgh-work-related-accident-2-killed_1558.html