Residents and workers in three Merrimack Valley communities are being urged by state police to evacuate any buildings or homes with Columbia Gas service after as many as 50 fires and explosions were reported across the region Thursday afternoon.
"Residents in the affected towns of Lawrence/North Andover/Andover who have gas service from Columbia Gas should evacuate their homes immediately if they have not already done so," state police tweeted.
The explosions are initially being blamed on a pressurization issue in the gas lines.
"Gas lines are currently being depressurized by the company it will take some time," state police tweeted....