LAWRENCE, MA (AP) -- Officials are saying it could take weeks before residents of three Merrimack Valley communities torn by natural gas explosions could have their service fully restored.
Gov. Charlie Baker said Friday that more than 100 gas technicians are being deployed throughout the night and into Saturday to make sure each home is safe to enter. He says no one in the area should turn on their gas unless a crew turns it on for them.
Even after residents return and their electricity is restored, gas service won't be turned on until technicians can inspect every connection in each home — a process that could take weeks.
Baker says Eversource is bringing in additional resources. Earlier on Friday, Baker authorized the utility to take management control over the effort to safely restore services.
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