Gas leak caused by human error

LAWRENCE, Mass. (WLNE) – Residents were able to return to their homes by 3 P.M. Friday after a large gas leak forced more than 100 people to evacuate their homes.

The leak was caused by human error, when someone mistook a gas line for a water line, according to the Massachusetts office of Energy and Environmental Affairs.

It started around 3 A.M. this morning when a police officer noticed a large gas leak in the street.

“We didn’t smell anything, we were just woken up by firemen telling us we had to evacuate,” said resident Lori Martin.

More than 100 people headed to a shelter at a local school, with last year’s deadly gas explosions fresh in their minds.

“Four months with no heat, no hot water, and now they’re banging on the doors and we’re starting all over again,” said one resident.

Less than 12 hours after the initial discovery of the leak, officials said there is no more threat to public safety, but that they are still investigating the area where they isolated the leak, so some will not be able to get back into their houses just yet.

“What happened this morning, was dangerous even though it was a small area, smaller area than happened last year, it was just as dangerous a situation as last year,” said Mayor Dan Rivera.

Officials say they worked together as a team with Columbia Gas Friday, but that they aren’t forgetting what a mess there was there a year ago.

“They still have a way to go with me,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “That’s why DPU is going to have such a big presence here over the course of the next few days.”

Residents were understandably shaken up by the incident.

“Money isn’t going to compensate me,” said Martin. “I mean yes it would be nice but money is not going to compensate me to have to be out here every year?!”

No one was hurt in this event. This also happened in a different area than the explosions last year.

The Columbia Gas president said people should feel safe in their homes Friday night.

© WLNE-TV / Associated Press ABC6 2019