Gas pipeline explosion in Kentucky contained, people missing

Posted August 1, 2019 7:04 am.

Last Updated August 1, 2019 9:55 am.

JUNCTION CITY, Ky. – Lincoln County Emergency Management Director Don Gilliam said the fires are out from a gas line explosion early Thursday that killed a person and sent five others to a hospital.

He says six structures were impacted and some destroyed altogether by the flames. The fire reached about 300 feet in the air and could be seen throughout Lincoln County.

Gilliam said he doesn’t believe there are any critical injuries among those hospitalized.

Crews are still looking for five to seven people and are asking anyone who lives in the area and hasn’t been accounted for to check in at New Hope Baptist Church in Stanford, which is set up as a shelter.

Meanwhile, Enbridge, the company who owns the pipeline released a statement on the situation.

“Our teams are coordinating with first responders to secure the site. We have isolated the affected line and are working closely with emergency responders to manage the situation. We will provide more information as it becomes available.”

. @Enbridge has released a statement after a fatal explosion in Kentucky. One person died in the explosion, while 5-7 are unaccounted for @660NEWS pic.twitter.com/q8ePGVMily

— Kenny Mason (@krmason7) August 1, 2019

The gas pipeline ruptured early Thursday, causing a massive explosion that also destroyed railroad tracks and forced the evacuation of a nearby mobile home park, authorities said.

The explosion was so huge that it showed up on radar, according to a tweet from WKYT-TV meteorologist Chris Bailey.

Massive explosion and fire across northern Lincoln County. You can actually see this happen on radar. Wow! #kywx @WKYT pic.twitter.com/2Qtg5Rixfk

— Chris Bailey????️????️ (@Kentuckyweather) August 1, 2019