Clarksburg, West Virginia – A considerable portion of Clarksburg’s Chestnut Hills neighborhood remains evacuated following a gas leak and subsequent explosion that rattled the area earlier this week. Authorities now anticipate that it will be at least four more hours before residents can safely return to their homes.
The explosion, which occurred late Tuesday afternoon, caused no injuries but prompted swift evacuation orders for nearby residences as a precaution. Emergency response crews have been working tirelessly at the scene to secure the area and repair the breached gas line, which is believed to have caused the explosion.
Local fire chief, Marvin Hilliard, explained that the situation was quickly contained thanks to the prompt actions of first responders. “Our teams arrived rapidly and were able to evacuate the area to prevent any potential injuries. Public safety is our top priority and we will ensure the area is completely safe before allowing residents to return,” Hilliard said.
Officials have launched an investigation into the cause of the gas leak. Preliminary reports suggest that aging infrastructure could be a contributing factor. “We are looking at all possibilities including the condition of old pipes in this part of the city,” stated Gina McCarthy, an official from the local gas utility.
Meanwhile, residents displaced by the evacuation have been directed to a temporary relief center set up at a nearby school gymnasium. Volunteers from various community organizations are providing food, clothing, and emotional support to affected families.
City Council member, Tomás Rivera, expressed his concerns about the aging infrastructure. “This incident highlights the critical need for ongoing maintenance and modernization of our city’s utility lines to prevent such occurrences in the future,” Rivera remarked.
The economic impact of the explosion is also being assessed, as several businesses in the area had to halt operations. Local business owner, Lydia Grant, whose coffee shop is within the cordoned-off area, shared her worries about lost revenue. “Every hour we remain closed affects our bottom line drastically. We hope for a swift resolution so we can resume our activities,” Grant said.
Authorities promise to keep the public informed as updates become available. They urge residents to follow official communications and avoid the area until it is declared safe. Additional resources, including mental health professionals and financial advisors, have been made available to assist those impacted by the event.
As the community in Clarksburg awaits a return to normalcy, the spirit of cooperation and resilience among its members shines through, embodying the tight-knit nature of this West Virginia town.