President of Columbia Gas defends worker

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The president of Columbia Gas of Massachusetts defended his employee who drilled a hole into a gas line, causing the explosion.

Steve Bryant told 22News it's a tried and true practice, to drill by judging the line of sight from the valve box to the foundation and then stepping off the line by two feet.

Bryant said he's never seen anything like this in his 40-year career, but in their investigation the company will re-consider whether it's the best protocol. “I don't think we could have done anything different. We sent the right person with the right set of skills for the report that we received. “

Columbia Gas representatives will be at Springfield City Hall Monday from 10am until 5pm in room 220, to speak with anyone who suffered property damage associated with the explosion.

You can also report claims by phone during business hours by calling 1-800-869-1876x1.