Crime & Safety
Natural Gas Explosion Reported in New Haven
The shock wave was felt from several towns away, according to reports.: Breaking
NEW HAVEN, CT — Emergency crews are responding to a reported gas explosion that occurred at 73 Welton Street.
The preliminary cause of the explosion is from a pipe connected to an overhead gas heater, said Rick Fontana Jr., deputy director of operations for the New Haven Emergency Operations Center. Crews haven't made it into the building yet due to the damage.
There were no reported injuries as of 1 p.m., Fontana said.
Find out what's happening in New Havenfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
A case of sodium bisulfite was ruptured in the explosion, according to the New Haven Independent. It was determined that the chemical was confined to a pit.
The shock wave of the explosion was felt as far away as Guilford, according to NBC Connecticut.
Find out what's happening in New Havenfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
This is the scene of the gas explosion at a chemical plant in New Haven https://t.co/P93SV6roxo pic.twitter.com/XW8dIWahCW
— NBC Connecticut (@NBCConnecticut) December 22, 2016
Gas company officials are assessing the cause and they responded shortly after 11:30 a.m., according to WTNH. The explosion blew out the back wall of the building and insulation covered the nearby area.
@NewHavenFire Eng 10 reporting Natural gas explosion. Still an active leak.
— New Haven Fire (@NewHavenFire) December 22, 2016
Check back for updates.
Image via Shutterstock
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
