The Stark County Sheriff’s Office remains actively involved in an investigation following a gas line rupture and subsequent fire that occurred in Pike Township.
Reports flooded the Stark County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday, February 14, around 10:47 a.m., with multiple 911 calls alerting authorities to a potential explosion and fire. Deputies responded to the 9100 block of Briggle Avenue Southwest in Pike Township in reference to the alarming reports.
Working closely with the East Sparta Volunteer Fire Department, deputies provided crucial assistance at the site. As a precautionary measure, Briggle Avenue Southwest was temporarily shuttered between Downing Street and Ullet Street Southwest. The thoroughfare was reopened to traffic by approximately 12:00 p.m.
Sheriff George T. Maier of Stark County commended the unified efforts of the community.
“This is a great testament to how we as a community come together to ensure the safety of Stark County,” Sheriff Maier said. “I am proud of the swift response and teamwork displayed by our deputies, the East Sparta Volunteer Fire Department, Marathon Petroleum, and others involved. It’s through collaboration like this that we can continue to keep Stark County safe.”
Fortunately, no injuries have been reported thus far. Marathon Petroleum has deployed personnel to the scene to cooperate with authorities as part of the ongoing investigation. Detailed information regarding the incident remains pending.