SUMMERTOWN, Tenn. -
One person was killed and several people displaced after a vehicle struck a gas line and sparked a fire in Lawrence County Tuesday evening.
The incident happened around 6:30 p.m. on Highway 20 at Monument Road in Summertown, about 70 miles south of Nashville.
Officials told Nashville's News 2 Arthur Spence was traveling eastbound on Highway 20 when he lost control of his Nissan Sentra, left the roadway and crashed into a natural gas line.
"The vehicle struck a valve station where a local utility takes their gas off of a main feeder line. The vehicle is up on top of the valving and it [was] a very curious situation," Lawrence County Fire Chief Mark Gandeed explained.
According to Chief Gandeed, flames where approximately 50 to 70 feet in the air. Crews contained the fire to 50 foot by 50 foot area.
Officials said the gas company was called to the scene to shut down the main line and secondary lines to any homes affected.
They expected to restore the lines early Wednesday morning.
More than 150 area residents were displaced for several hours.
The scene was cleared and the roadway was reopened just after 2 a.m. Wednesday.
Authorities said the vehicle involved was completely destroyed.
The Lawrence County Red Cross stepped in to assist emergency personnel and those displaced by providing food, water and shelter at a nearby church.
Anyone looking to make a donation or volunteer with the Lawrence County Red Cross is urged to call 931-762-1599.
