Gas Explosions, Fires in Massachusetts Subject of National Transportation Safety Board Meeting| site |


(August 26, 2019) - - Today (August 26, 2019), the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) published the following information:

​WASHINGTON (Aug. 26, 2019) — The National Transportation Safety Board announced Thursday its intention to hold a board meeting Sept. 24, 2019, 9:30 a.m. (EDT), to determine the probable cause of the Sept. 13, 2018, series of explosions and fires in the Merrimack Valley in Massachusetts.

The explosions and fires occurred after high-pressure natural gas was released into a low-pressure gas distribution system in the northeast region of the Merrimack Valley. The system over-pressure damaged 131 structures, including five homes that were destroyed. Most of the damage was a result of structure fires ignited by gas-fueled appliances. One person was killed and 22 individuals, including three firefighters were transported to area hospitals.

The urgent safety recommendations issued earlier in the investigation are available at https://go.usa.gov/xVx73

WHO: NTSB investigative staff and board members.

WHAT: An open to the public board meeting.

WHERE: NTSB Boardroom and Conference Center, 420 10th St., SW, Washington, DC.

WHEN: Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2019, 9:30 a.m. (EDT).

The public meeting will also be webcast. A link to the webcast will be available shortly before the start of the meeting at http://ntsb.windrosemedia.com