Investigation into Gas Well Explosion Nearing Completion

Moundsville -  

West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection officials will be on the site of he gas well explosion in Marshall County today plugging that well, closing it off to drilling permanently.

According to DEP spokesperson Kathy Cosco, workers are on site today pouring concrete into the well that exploded a few weeks ago, injuring seven.

Cosco said there are two wells on that site on Beams Lane, and the other will still be accessible.

Texas-based Union Drilling Incorporated was sinking a natural gas well through an abandoned coal mine when it hit a methane pocket, injuring seven people.

In the meantime, the state Department of Environmental Protection has halted all West Virginia operations by the well's permit holder, AB Resources of Ohio. The DEP is also reviewing all of its operations and permits.

Cosco said the investigation into the cause of the explosion and fire is under investigation, as well as the company as a whole.

She said she hopes to have that completed in less than two weeks.