Multiple Gas Wells Erupt

Several blasts reported, fireballs seen late Thursday in Columbiana County

Wheeling WV Intelligencer
11 February 2011
From Staff Reports

DUNGANNON, Ohio - A major underground gas explosion occurred late Thursday in Columbiana County west of Lisbon.

Reports of an explosion and fireball came in at 10:32 p.m. with confusion as to where the problem was located. Residents from as varied locations as Vienna, Steubenville, Pittsburgh and St. Clairsville as well as Minerva, Columbiana and Lisbon reported seeing fire and bright skies.

Dispatchers reported problems from Hanoverton to south of Highlandtown. The main fire seemed to be centered at McKaig and Bethesda roads near Dungannon.

People approaching the scene reported hearing a humming noise coming from the line.

The line is owned by Tennessee Gas Pipeline, whose officials were able to shut off the supply in that area by 11:30 p.m. It is believed several wells exploded, reportedly three on the Zehentbauer farm.

Traffic control was called for the intersection of McKaig and Bethesda as well as U.S. 30 and Ohio 9. The county Emergency Management Agency was called to handle the situation as well as gas company officials. Most fire departments in the area responded.

There were evacuations, and the Summitville Fire Department was being utilized as a shelter and United Local school was available as well.

A dispatcher with the Lisbon Police Department said she did not know if anyone was injured, but that her city's fire department was responding to the scene, along with other area firefighters.