Gas Leak Sets Off At Least 39 Fires, Blasts In Towns Near Boston - Massachusetts Police

WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 14th September, 2018) At least 39 fires with more expected to be confirmed erupted in Andover in the US state of Massachusetts and two neighboring towns near Boston, Massachusetts State Police (MSP) said in a Twitter statement.

"Updated plotting of confirmed fires and explosions by MSP Watch Center. 39 locations confirmed thus far. Number will grow. New responses ongoing," the MSP said on Thursday night. "MSP Fusion Center has current updated tally of responses to fires/explosions/investigations of gas odor at 70.

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Electricity to all three communities was being shut off, local media reported.

"Gas lines are currently being depressurized by the company... Reminder: all residents of Lawrence/Andover/N Andover who have Columbia Gas must evacuate, as should anyone else who smells gas," the MSP said in further Twitter messages.

The explosions and fires were spread over a wide swath of south Lawrence and northern part of North Andover with several others across Merrimack River in north Lawrence, the MSP said in another tweet.