Virginia Firefighters Respond to Massive Natural Gas Line Explosion

Sept. 23, 2008
Overall, five people were treated and released with minor injuries.

On Sunday, Sept. 14, Appomattox County woke up to the eerie sound of what sounded like a jet plane flying low or hovering over the houses.

A few miles away, residents could see the horrific site of flames approximately a half mile to three quarters of a mile high in the air with a whistling sound unlike anything we have ever heard before, praying and hoping no one was injured.

The Appomattox Volunteer Fire Department was quickly dispatched and responded to the scene to find flames approximately a half mile to three quarters of a mile high in the air by approximately 300 yards wide, un like anything anyone has ever seen or imagined that could happen in our county.

Overall, five people were treated and released with minor injuries and no fatalities and only two structures destroyed. The explosion was felt from as far away as 12 miles and impacted hundreds of homes and families. With tremendous help from surrounding counties volunteer fire departments, local government, citizens, and many other recources the fire was under control in one and a half hours.

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