Gas fears in Somerset in wake of blast

SOMERSET, Mass. (WPRI) - Nearly one week after a deadly house explosion on New York Ave. in Somerset, New England Gas officials said they have received more than a dozen calls about the smell of gas in the neighborhood.

Rosemarie Rebello was killed last Thursday when her home at 93 New York Ave. exploded. The likely cause, according to Somerset Fire Chief Scott Jepson, appears to be a natural gas leak.

Now, Jespson said people in the neighborhood are being very cautious.

"People are so concerned about, 'Well, I smell gas. What should i do?' 'Should I stay in my house? Should I leave?' Really, the gas company is the expert and we assist them when we can," Jepson said.

Of the dozen or so calls that have come in since the deadly blast, Jepson said only one was of real concern. It was a leaking stove that needed to be fixed.

The investigation into the explosion is ongoing.

Officials said two or three more homes were so severely damaged in the blast, they may need to be torn down.