This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/nov/25/massachusetts-strip-club-gas-blast
The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 2 | Version 3 |
|---|---|
| 'Human error' to blame for Massachusetts strip club gas blast | 'Human error' to blame for Massachusetts strip club gas blast |
| (10 days later) | |
| A utility worker responding to reports of a natural gas leak in one of New England's largest cities punctured a pipe before an unknown spark ignited a massive explosion that injured 18 people, the state fire marshal said on Sunday. | A utility worker responding to reports of a natural gas leak in one of New England's largest cities punctured a pipe before an unknown spark ignited a massive explosion that injured 18 people, the state fire marshal said on Sunday. |
| The natural gas blast, which happened in Springfield on Friday night, was caused by "human error", state fire marshal Stephen Coan said. Coan did not name the Columbia Gas Go worker who pierced the high-pressure pipe. | The natural gas blast, which happened in Springfield on Friday night, was caused by "human error", state fire marshal Stephen Coan said. Coan did not name the Columbia Gas Go worker who pierced the high-pressure pipe. |
| The blast flattened a strip club, caused serious damage to a daycare center and scattered debris over several blocks. Some officials said it was a miracle that no one was killed. The cause of the spark that ignited the explosion is still unknown. | The blast flattened a strip club, caused serious damage to a daycare center and scattered debris over several blocks. Some officials said it was a miracle that no one was killed. The cause of the spark that ignited the explosion is still unknown. |
| Most of the injured were among a group of gas workers, firefighters and police officers who ducked for cover behind a utility truck just before the blast. Part of the neighborhood had been evacuated, because of reports of a gas leak and odor. | Most of the injured were among a group of gas workers, firefighters and police officers who ducked for cover behind a utility truck just before the blast. Part of the neighborhood had been evacuated, because of reports of a gas leak and odor. |
| The gas company planned a news conference for later Sunday afternoon. A message left for a company spokeswoman was not immediately returned. | The gas company planned a news conference for later Sunday afternoon. A message left for a company spokeswoman was not immediately returned. |
| Preliminary reports showed that the blast had damaged 42 buildings, housing 115 residential units. Three buildings were immediately condemned and 24 will require additional inspections by structural engineers. | Preliminary reports showed that the blast had damaged 42 buildings, housing 115 residential units. Three buildings were immediately condemned and 24 will require additional inspections by structural engineers. |
| Springfield, which is 90 miles west of Boston and has about 150,000 residents, is the largest city in western Massachusetts. It's known as the home of the Basketball Hall of Fame. The city has been rebuilding from damage caused by a tornado in June 2011. | Springfield, which is 90 miles west of Boston and has about 150,000 residents, is the largest city in western Massachusetts. It's known as the home of the Basketball Hall of Fame. The city has been rebuilding from damage caused by a tornado in June 2011. |
| Our editors' picks for the day's top news and commentary delivered to your inbox each morning. | Our editors' picks for the day's top news and commentary delivered to your inbox each morning. |
| Our editors' picks for the day's top news and commentary delivered to your inbox each morning. Enter your email address to subscribe. | Our editors' picks for the day's top news and commentary delivered to your inbox each morning. Enter your email address to subscribe. |
| Our editors' picks for the day's top news and commentary delivered to your inbox each morning. |