Evidence recovered from Somerset blast

SOMERSET, Mass. (WPRI ) - Materials that could provide clues into last Thursday's deadly house explosion in Somerset have been recovered.

The Massachusetts Department of Utilities told the Target 12 Investigators that investigators have found piping, values and other material from the New York Avenue scene.

One woman was killed in the blast.

Forensic investigator Marc Richman is not connected to the case, however he believes that leaky gas lines are the culprit.

"It doesn't take much of a hole, something the size of a pencil point," said Richman.

According to Richman, natural gas follows the least path of resistance; so a leak in the street can easily make its way through soil, into a basement.

"You don't even have to have gas in your home. If you don't have gas, but there is a leaky gas main in the street, you can have a gas problem," Richman said.

Target 12 has learned The Massachusetts Department of Utilities will soon hold a public hearing to determine testing procedures.

Richman said this can be a complicated process. Some tests will destroy the evidence, so lawyers for New England Gas and the victim's family may both want their own experts in the room.

Richman said the Northeast is plagued by leaky pipes because old infrastructure and wet soil, which can lead to corrosion.

A hearing to discuss preliminary findings has been scheduled for Tuesday.