Major Natural Gas Explosion/Fire In Sissonville, West Virginia

SISSONVILLE, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- According to Metro 911, people in the area are being asked to shelter in place after a major gas explosion has been reported in Sissonville.

WOWK -- Charleston - Huntington, Working For You

Reports are coming in of a big explosion in Sissonville, West Virginia (scroll down for photos).

Via local news outlet WSAZ:

The northbound lanes of Interstate 77 are closed in the Sissonville area, from Tuppers Creek to Pocatalico due to what's being called a major gas line explosion.

Kanawha County Commission President Kent Carper tells WSAZ.com crews were called to what was described as a major gas line explosion in Sissonville.

WSAZ says that right now, no injuries or fatalities have been reported. A "Shelter in Place" has been issued for buildings in the area, though.

Click here for live updates >

The AP reports that according to state police, several structures are on fire.

West Virginia Metro News cites Kanahwa County Commissioner Kent Carper:

"The flames are shooting 50, 75 to 100 feet. There's fire everywhere," said Carper reporting from the scene on 58-WCHS. "Gas company is on the scene working with emergency officials to get the gas shut off, then we'll assess if we have injuries or casualties. At this time it's a fairly chaotic scene."

...

"Several structures are involved. The fire is so hot it's like a blevy. It's caused houses to melt and burn way far away," he said. "Many structures are on fire in a large fire area stretching hundreds and hundreds of feet."

Now, WSAZ reports that the well has been capped.

The Charleston Gazette is reporting that the fire has been put out, and the search for casualties is underway:

Crews apparently extinguished the fire just before 2 p.m. but a large amount of fumes remain in the air, said Kanawha County Commission President Kent Carper.

Carper said paramedics and emergency responders are going into homes and apartments now to assess injuries or fatalities.

Readers can also follow along via a live audio feed of Kanawha County's emergency services scanners.

Local news outlet WOWK posted this sobering video of the flames towering into the air

Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/west-virginia-natural-gas-explosion-2012-12#ixzz2Em9KTUWh