Massachusetts State Police said they had responded to 70 reports of fires, explosions and the smell of gas in a widespread zone encompassing the east coast towns of Lawrence, Andover and North Andover. "Gas lines are currently being depressurized," police said on Twitter, adding that "it will take some time." In a release dated Thursday the company had said it would "be upgrading natural gas lines in neighborhoods across the state." Lawrence General Hospital was treating six patients injured in the gas explosions, and two of them were in critical condition. Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker said in a statement he was "actively monitoring the situation," urging "residents to heed instructions from local officials."

Source: The Nation Bangkok September 14, 2018 00:56 UTC