Emergency crews stabilized a natural gas pipeline rupture in the Muddy Pond area of Overton County Wednesday, with Enbridge confirming there was no explosion or fire.
Overton County Executive Austin Dodson said county emergency services were notified of the incident at 10:28am. Dodson said responders determined there had been no fire or explosion and only a few minor injuries required evaluation.
“We are very fortunate in Overton County Services did a fantastic job responding very quickly to the scene assessing the impacts,” Dodson said, “And I am very proud of our emergency service leaders and our community for the quick and professional response that we’ve seen out there today on the site.”
Dodson said Enbridge’s East Tennessee Natural Gas operation and local emergency responders were responding to the scene at approximately 10:45am. Enbridge said the affected pipeline had been isolated pending further assessment and there was no risk to the public.
The cause of the release remains under investigation. Dodson said workers were at the site when the incident occurred but said his office had not received additional information about what caused it.
“Everyone is safe now and we are very thankful that this wasn’t worse than what it was and we give all the glory to God for keeping people and the first responders safe on the scene, including those that were impacted by the event today,” Dodson said.
Dodson said the response included the Livingston, Cookeville and Crossville fire departments and the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Emergency management agencies from Putnam, Clay and Fentress Counties also assisted alongside the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency.
Officials initially established a one-and-a-half-mile evacuation radius as a precaution. Dodson said the evacuation was lifted after officials determined the scene was safe. Enbridge later said there was no risk to the public.
“At this time I think that is all the Overton County is able to release and we’re just very thankful that God has blessed us and that this event wasn’t much worse than what it was,” Dodson said.
Dodson said Hanging Limb Highway remains open, though a small road closure remains off the highway while personnel continue evaluating the scene.