Gas Explosion

Storms rocked through Jasper County last Wednesday night, and havoc was created when a limb from a tree that was struck by lightning fell and knocked the cap off a gas line. A power line was also knocked down by the storm. An explosion ensued and local firefighters responded, as did workers with the city of Monticello who owns the gas line and the EMC which was responsible for the power line arcing and starting the fire. Firefighters were able to contain the blaze for the gas to be cut off, then the fire was extinguished. Hwy. 11 south was closed for slightly more than two hours while emergency personnel responded and fixed the problem..