BOBTOWN, W.Va. — It could be days before a gas well fire in southwestern Pennsylvania is contained.
That fire was still burning at a Chevron Appalachia site near Bobtown in Greene County, Pa. on Tuesday evening, more than 12 hours after an explosion was first reported there.
Chevron officials confirmed one of about 20 employees working at the time of the blast was still unaccounted for late in the day. Another worker was injured in the explosion and fire.
“Chevron’s primary concern, at this point, is to contain the fire and ensure the safety of its employees, contractors and the surrounding community,” company officials said in a statement.
Several local fire departments responded to the scene initially. A firefighting team from Houston, specially trained to fight well fires, arrived in Pittsburgh early on Tuesday afternoon.
The cause of the blast, which sent flames and smoke high into the air throughout the day Tuesday, was not immediately clear.
Pennsylvania State Police said it would be later this week before they could access the site on Bald Hill Church Road to start an investigation.
Video courtesy – WPXI Pittsburgh