Poinbank Exchange|Gas pipeline explodes near interstate in rural Virginia, no injuries reported

STRASBURG,Poinbank Exchange Va. (AP) — A gas line exploded Tuesday near a highway in rural western Virginia, but no injuries were reported, according to local officials.

TC Energy said it was notified of a fire after there was a pressure drop in its Columbia Gas Transmission Pipeline along Interstate 81 around 8:40 a.m., the company said in a statement. That section of the pipeline near Strasburg was isolated as a precaution, TC Energy said.

Witnesses saw the explosion in a field off Interstate 81 after 8 a.m. and called authorities, Shenandoah County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Denise Vollmer said by telephone. The explosion happened near Battlefield Road and Copp Road, she said.

Other news Death of intellectually disabled inmate at Virginia prison drawing FBI scrutiny, document shows The FBI is looking into the death of an intellectually disabled inmate who died at a Virginia prison and whom the agency identified as “a possible victim of a crime.” ‘Mama bears’ may be the 2024 race’s soccer moms. But where the GOP seeks votes, some see extremism They’ve been classified as extremists by the Southern Poverty Law Center. But they’ve also been among the most coveted voters so far in the 2024 Republican presidential primary. Historic Danville house of worship morphing into Airbnb DANIVILLE, Va. (AP) — When Jeremy DiMaio took a look at the late 19th-century Gothic Revival church along Jefferson Avenue about three years ago, he asked his then 12-year-old daughter if he should buy it. How hard is it to win the lottery? Odds to keep in mind as Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots soar Your chances of winning the lottery are extremely slim — even as more and more eye top prizes soaring to jaw-dropping heights.

The interstate was closed briefly, but the fire has been contained, Vollmer said. No structures were threatened, she said.

TC Energy said it is working with local authorities to investigate the explosion.

Strasburg is about 80 miles (129 kilometers) west of Washington, D.C.