The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a one-vehicle crash near Atwood Lake that triggered a natural gas fire Monday afternoon.
The crash happened about 1:40 p.m. on State Route 212 near mile post 17 and the Atwood Lake spillway in Tuscarawas County, according to the New Philadelphia Post of the patrol.
Troopers said a white 2007 Jeep Wrangler driven by a 44-year-old Scio woman was headed east when it went off the right side of the road and struck a gas line pump house. The impact ruptured gas lines inside the building and the Jeep became fully engulfed in flames. The fire spread to the pump house and scorched the surrounding area.
The driver was able to escape the vehicle and get to safety, authorities said. She suffered minor injuries and was taken by Smith Ambulance to Union Hospital.
Representatives from Enbridge Gas quickly located a shutoff valve near the scene and stopped the gas supply fueling the blaze. Northeast Ohio Gas, which services the line, also responded and assisted in containing the leak.
The Ohio Department of Transportation helped with road closures and traffic control. The Highway Patrol was assisted by the Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office, Fairfield Township Fire Department, Sherrodsville Fire Department, Enbridge Gas, Northeast Ohio Gas and Keith’s Towing.
The crash remains under investigation.
