Plymouth, Wash., residents were allowed to return to their homes a day after being evacuated following an explosion at Northwest Pipeline Monday morning.
Crews are still trying to figure out how to stop the leaks of liquefied natural gas that began Monday morning when a pipe ruptured, causing an explosion in a storage tank. Five employees were injured and one was sent to Portland for burns to his hands and face.
Although residents were allowed to return to their homes on Tuesday, they were warned that there is still a small risk of an explosion at the site. Residents were also warned that perlite, a dusty substance, was released into the air following Monday’s explosion and, while not toxic, could irritate eyes and skin and should not be inhaled.
As many as 1,000 residents and ag workers were evacuated Monday. All roads that had been closed following the accident have re-opened, with the exception of a section of Christy Road next to the Northwest Pipeline plant.
Crews won’t know what caused the blast until they can stop the liquefied natural gas leaks.
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