NiSource Helping West Virginia Pipeline Blast Victims

A natural gas company is helping residents affected by a pipeline explosion in Sissonville, W.Va., buy new homes or repair homes that were damaged.

NiSource Inc. spokeswoman Chevalier Mayes tells the Charleston Daily Mail that the company can’t provide a total amount of the funding because it’s still working with some residents.

A 20-inch line owned by NiSource subsidiary Columbia Gas Transmission ruptured on Dec. 11 and triggered a massive fire. The explosion destroyed four homes and damaged several others.

Shirley McMillion’s family plans to buy a new house, once they receive a check from NiSource.

McMillion wouldn’t say how much her family will receive. But she says it’s enough to pay off the old house, buy a new house and replace the family’s vehicles.