June 03--Two workers were hurt today in an explosion caused by a ruptured natural gas line in Richmond Township in northern Macomb County, according to the sheriff's office.
The injured men were taken to a hospital for treatment and were reported in stable condition, the sheriff's office said. Sheriff Anthony Wickersham said the men have non-life-threatening injuries.
Dispatch received numerous calls about a loud explosion in the area of Place Road, south of 33 Mile, about 1 p.m. Houses were shaking, Wickersham said.
The preliminary investigation indicates that a crew laying drain tile in a farmer's field ruptured a natural gas line with machinery, causing an explosion. The injured men worked for the company laying the drain tile, Wickersham said.
Built-in safety valves were automatically activated to shut off the leaking gas, the sheriff's office said.
Gas company personnel were at the scene for repairs. Wickersham did not know if the gas line was marked.
No property damage was reported, the sheriff's office said.
Contact Christina Hall: [email protected]
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