Nobody Hurt in East Texas Gas Line Explosion

GARY (AP/Staff) – Officials say no injuries have been reported in a gas line explosion in East Texas that shook some homes before dawn. The Panola County Sheriff’s Office says the fiery accident happened around 6:00 Wednesday morning near Gary. No damage was immediately reported. A sheriff’s dispatcher says the wellhead was shut down.

According to KETK, MarkWest Energy Partners released the following statement late following the blast around 6:00 Wednesday morning:

“ A fire was detected on a MarkWest pipeline about one-quarter of a mile from the Gary Compressor Station in Panola County, Texas. There were no injuries or structural damage to the compressor station equipment. The pipeline and compressor station were immediately shut-down and MarkWest’s emergency response plan was implemented. MarkWest’s personnel were immediately dispatched to the location. The fire, which was limited to brush surrounding the pipeline, was quickly extinguished by the Gary Volunteer Fire Department who left the site by 8:00 a.m. CDT. MarkWest is investigating this incident and will work with local and state authorities throughout this process. MarkWest would also like to thank the first responders for their quick and professional response.”