WASHINGTON (Aug. 26, 2019) — The National Transportation Safety Board announced Thursday its intention to hold a board meeting Sept. 24, 2019, 9:30 a.m. (EDT), to determine the probable cause of the Sept. 13, 2018, series of explosions and fires in the Merrimack Valley in Massachusetts.
The explosions and fires occurred after high-pressure natural gas was released into a low-pressure gas distribution system in the northeast region of the Merrimack Valley. The system over-pressure damaged 131 structures, including five homes that were destroyed. Most of the damage was a result of structure fires ignited by gas-fueled appliances. One person was killed and 22 individuals, including three firefighters were transported to area hospitals.
The urgent safety recommendations issued earlier in the investigation are available at https://go.usa.gov/xVx73
WHO: NTSB investigative staff and board members.
WHAT: An open to the public board meeting.
WHERE: NTSB Boardroom and Conference Center, 420 10th St., SW, Washington, DC.
WHEN: Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2019, 9:30 a.m. (EDT).
HOW: Media covering the meeting in person are asked to be in place no later than 9:15 a.m. on the day of the event. The public meeting will also be webcast. A link to the webcast will be available shortly before the start of the meeting at http://ntsb.windrosemedia.com/.
To report an incident/accident or if you are a public safety agency, please call 1-844-373-9922 or 202-314-6290 to speak to a Watch Officer at the NTSB Response Operations Center (ROC) in Washington, DC (24/7).
