Gas Line Rupture Contained Near Morgan-Athens Line

Muskingum County Emergency Management Agency Director Bo Keck says a Tennesse Gas Transmission line ruptured Wednesday morning in Morgan County near the Athens County border. Keck says it happened along Taylor Road off of State Route 329 just before 9:00 a.m. and could be felt in Morgan, Perry and Muskingum Counties. Keck says the explosion injured one person and at least three structures were destroyed.  Authorities say it was a 36 inch 12 mile long gas line. The Gas Company is on the scene and by 10:00 a.m. had closed off the line on both sides of the rupture.  Intial reports indicated the flames were shooting 300 feet into the air and a loud roar could be heard from the scene of the explosion. The Morgan County Sheriff’s Office says a home at 9500 Taylor Road and a home at 9436 Taylor Road – both in Glouster recieved significant damage.  One female was transported to an unknown area Hospital.  She was found by authorities as she walked down the road away from the fire, carrying her dog.  Her condition is not known at this time. The State Fire Marshall’s Office and a Special Response Unit have been called to the scene to investigate further.