Explosion rocks Plymouth
Plymouth locator map
An explosion this morning at the Williams Northwest Natural Gas storage facility prompted the evacuation of the adjacent community of Plymouth, near the SR 395 bridge across the Columbia. No injuries were reported as of 10:15.
The explosion, whose cause has not been determined, resulted in shrapnel breaching the south storage tank, according to Benton County Emergency Planer Deanna Davis. When full, the tank holds approximately 1.2 billion gallons of liquid natural gas. The actual quantity of gas released from the tank is not known, although Davis said it was not completely full at the time.
Authorities have evacuated Plymouth, but despite rumors, other surrounding communities had not been evacuated, according to Davis.
A shelter has been opened for evacuees in Thompson Hall at the Umatilla County Fairgrounds, located at 515 W. Orchard, Hermiston, Oregon. Persons in need of further information may call Benton County Emergency Services at (509) 628-0303.