WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
A leaking joint in an underground natural gas main is believed to be the cause of a recent fire at Zimmy’s Tavern in Union. The leaking fusion joint in a gas main was found about 60 feet from the tavern, officials said.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released the information on Wednesday afternoon. Investigators located natural gas underground on nearby properties and inside the sewer system near the Zimmy’s building. This is consistent with a leak in the gas distribution system, according to the NTSB.
Following the explosion, SEMCO Energy was able to evacuate an area around the tavern in a quarter-mile radius. The gas service in the area was shut down during the investigation as well.
According to records, the NTSB report said the gas lines were installed in 1988. The leaking fusion joint in the gas main was removed and sent to the NTSB lab for further examination. Officially, the NTSB has not determined the probable cause and everything is being investigated. The report from Wednesday DOES NOT mean the NTSB has reached a final decision on the cause of the explosion.
