Parts of Interstate 77 Closed after Gas Line Explosion
By: Ciara Brown
Updated: December 11, 2012
WEST VIRGINIA - A gas line explosion has shut down a portion of Interstate 77 in West Virginia.
Governor Earl Ray Tomblin surveyed the gas line fire damage first-hand Tuesday afternoon in the Pocatalico and Sissonville areas of Kanawha County, just hours after the rupture.
"After looking at the damage, I'm grateful for the quick action of our local and state emergency responders, who immediately called for a shelter in place," says Gov. Tomblin.
West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management say the blast near the town of Sissonville destroyed four homes and heavily damaged five others. Luckily, no one was seriously injured.
The fire burned portions of Interstate 77, both northbound and southbound. Also, Route 21 from Charleston to Pocatalico is closed.
The Division of Highways say they're working to pave and reopen portions of the interstate as soon as possible. In the meantime, DOH suggests following these detours.
Southbound Traffic: Detour to Ripley onto Route 62 to U.S. 35 and then go to Interstate 64. Southbound traffic can also detour at Parkersburg in to U.S. 50 to Clarksburg to I-79.
Northbound Traffic: Detour to I-79 to Clarksburg then to U.S. 50. Northbound traffic can also travel I-64 west to U.S. 35 to Route 62.
Governor Earl Ray Tomblin surveyed the gas line fire damage first-hand Tuesday afternoon in the Pocatalico and Sissonville areas of Kanawha County, just hours after the rupture.
"After looking at the damage, I'm grateful for the quick action of our local and state emergency responders, who immediately called for a shelter in place," says Gov. Tomblin.
West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management say the blast near the town of Sissonville destroyed four homes and heavily damaged five others. Luckily, no one was seriously injured.
The fire burned portions of Interstate 77, both northbound and southbound. Also, Route 21 from Charleston to Pocatalico is closed.
The Division of Highways say they're working to pave and reopen portions of the interstate as soon as possible. In the meantime, DOH suggests following these detours.
Southbound Traffic: Detour to Ripley onto Route 62 to U.S. 35 and then go to Interstate 64. Southbound traffic can also detour at Parkersburg in to U.S. 50 to Clarksburg to I-79.
Northbound Traffic: Detour to I-79 to Clarksburg then to U.S. 50. Northbound traffic can also travel I-64 west to U.S. 35 to Route 62.
