Indiana Twp. (PA) gas well still burning after blast kills 2

[RamboLiberal]

Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Two workers were killed today when a natural gas well exploded in Indiana Township, and the well was continuing to burn after hours of efforts by firefighters failed to completely extinguish the fire.

Workers had been welding equipment at the gas well site when the explosion was reported around 9:50 a.m. in a wooded area of the township off Rich Hill Road, the state Department of Environmental Protection reported.

The two men were part of a three-member crew at the site. No other injuries were reported.

The incident was first reported by a second crew working at another well in the area. The blast was so powerful it lifted an oil storage tank 12 feet by 8 feet and threw it 70 yards away. The tank is not leaking but firefighters are pouring water on it to keep it cool.

At a news conference late this afternoon, Allegheny County Emergency Management Chief Robert Full said officials and the well owner, Huntley & Huntley, agreed to let the well fire burn at this time. Huntley & Huntley has hired a Texas firm, Wild Well, to cap the well.



Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10204/1074835-100.stm

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[doc03]

1. There was a similar explosion in WV several miles south

of that one a month ago. What happened was they drilled into a old coal mine and methane gas from the mine ignited, they let that one burn itself out too. I suppose there will be even more similar explosions. We are in the beginning of a gas well drilling boom in the area and anywhere you drill you are likely to run into an abandoned coal mine.

[blue neen]

2. I know that the gas wells are going to be a source for new jobs in PA.

It justs seems that everything should slow down a little bit. People are losing their lives. Is that really what we want? Safety for employees, the environment, landowners property, etc. has got to be of the utmost importance.