LAWRENCE, Mass. (AP) – Massachusetts’ two U.S. Senators say the natural gas company at the center of the explosions north of Boston last month was “woefully unprepared” for the unfolding disaster.
Democratic senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey said Friday a review of internal Columbia Gas documents found the utility didn’t have adequate safety and response measures in place before the Sept. 13 incident.
The senators said the company only instituted “commonsense” measures like knowing the location of control lines days after more than 80 natural gas explosions and fires rocked Lawrence, North Andover and Andover.
Company spokesmen didn’t immediately comment.
Gov. Charlie Baker and local officials also announced Friday they’re offering hotel rooms and other temporary housing for those without gas service. The incident killed one teen and injured 25 others people.
