September 13, 2018

At Least 39 Homes Just Exploded or Caught Fire in Massachusetts. The Photos Are Devastating.

At least four people are being treated for injuries.

Mary Schwalm/AP

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At least 39 homes and businesses exploded or caught fire due to “possible gas line over-pressurization” on Thursday in Andover and Lawrence, Massachusetts, according to authorities, who have announced that all Andover fires are now extinguished.

As of Thursday evening, the Massachusetts State Police had responded or were in the process of responding to 70 fires, explosions, or “investigations of gas odor.” It’s unclear what caused the explosions, and at least four people are being treated for injuries, the Associated Press reports.

Residents have been ordered to evacuate all buildings and houses. 

https://twitter.com/MassStatePolice/status/1040366227678486528

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We just wrapped up a shorter-than-normal, urgent-as-ever fundraising drive and we came up about $45,000 short of our $300,000 goal.

That means we're going to have upwards of $350,000, maybe more, to raise in online donations between now and June 30, when our fiscal year ends and we have to get to break-even. And even though there's zero cushion to miss the mark, we won't be all that in your face about our fundraising again until June.

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