Lightning Strike Sparks Gas Leak and Fire in NE Rochester
Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - An apparent lightning strike during one of the thunderstorms that moved through the Rochester area this morning resulted in a natural gas leak at a home in northeast Rochester.
A statement from the Rochester Fire Department says the lightning strike caused a large tree to fall onto a house located at 2037 Northview Lane around 7:45 AM. The responding firefighters also discovered a fire burning at ground level near the base of the tree that was being fed by a ruptured natural gas pipeline. Because the fire posed no risk to the public and was preventing the leaking natural gas to accumulate in other areas, it was allowed to burn until crews from Minnesota Energy Resources arrived and were able to shut off the gas supply.
The loss associated with damage to the home and the gas line was estimated at $10,000.
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