CLINTON, AR – A natural gas explosion in Van Buren County caused the evacuation of 25 homes Monday afternoon, affecting 35-40 people, according to the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management.
The explosion and resulting fire happened at a BHP Billiton facility near Clinton in the Burnt Ridge neighborhood, according to Clinton Police dispatch.
No injuries are reported and the fire has since been put out.
Statement from BHP Billiton:
BHP Billiton Petroleum is responding to a fire at a natural gas compressor station located in northern Van Buren County. The fire was first reported at approximately 1:30 Monday afternoon and was extinguished by 2:15 pm. The compressor and nearby wells were remotely shut in. As a precaution, local officials initiated the evacuation of nearby residents who were permitted to return to their homes within an hour. There were no injuries and we are currently investigating the incident.
The explosion and resulting fire happened at a BHP Billiton facility near Clinton in the Burnt Ridge neighborhood, according to Clinton Police dispatch.
No injuries are reported and the fire has since been put out.
Statement from BHP Billiton:
BHP Billiton Petroleum is responding to a fire at a natural gas compressor station located in northern Van Buren County. The fire was first reported at approximately 1:30 Monday afternoon and was extinguished by 2:15 pm. The compressor and nearby wells were remotely shut in. As a precaution, local officials initiated the evacuation of nearby residents who were permitted to return to their homes within an hour. There were no injuries and we are currently investigating the incident.