Smith County Authorities Investigate Morning Gas Well Explosion

SMITH COUNTY — The investigation continues after firefighters responded to a gas well explosion in northern Smith County. Authorities tell KETK the explosion happened around 3:30 a.m., just south of the intersection of Farm to Market Road 16 and Highway 14, across the street from the Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge. The blast scorched two acres of nearby land and residents in the surrounding area say the explosion shook their homes and woke them up. Although there was talk of evacuating nearby families, authorities were able to cut off the gas allowing residents to stay in their homes. No one was injured but 80 percent of the facility was destroyed. Red Springs Fire Department was assisted by Winona and Lindale officials.