National Grid Responds to Leak, Denies Explosion at Providence Power Plant, Despite Reports

National Grid Responds to Leak, Denies Explosion at Providence Power Plant, Despite Reports

National Grid stated late Wednesday evening that despite reports among Providence emergency personnel that an "explosion" occurred at the Manchester Power Plant on Point Street in Providence, that the situation was simply a "leak."

"There was no 'explosion.' I think the situation was evolving earlier," said National Grid Representative Danielle Williamson.

A message was sent among Providence emergency personnel at 8:48 p.m. on Wednesday, stating the following: 

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Reported explosion with free flowing natural gas from ruptured high pressure gas line at National Grid electrical plant. Companies standing by ATT. 

Interstate 195 closed to traffic both ways, EMS diverted.

Portions of 195 were shut down along with roads in the city, while the situation was being addressed. 

Grid Response

"There was no explosion --I think [the situation] was evolving earlier," said Danielle Williamson with National Grid at approximately 10:48 on Wednesday. 

"We responded to calls -- at about 8:13 we got calls about smell of gas in area of Allens [Avenue]. We got on scene before 8:40 since then we found a leak on a steel pipe at a "take" station," said Williamson. "It's leaking gas -- I can't say if we're close to repairing - there's a little more to [it] subsiding."

Williamson said during the call that Grid did "not know" yet how it happened. 

"It's not unusual with natural gas infrastructure in New England to experience leaks," said Williamson. "[But] we like to keep our gas in the ground."