Andover pizzeria delivers to PD, then hits the exit
‘We had to cut the main line and get out’
Merrimack Valley residents had their day shaken up by a wave of gas explosions that ignited at least 70 fires.
“We were at work making about 40 pizzas, getting them ready for the high school football, soccer and cheerleading teams,” said Efstathios Kesaris, 31, the owner of Andover Deli and Pizzeria. “Then all of a sudden we got the robocall and they told us there was gas leaks and that we needed to shut down all gas lines and evacuate.
“We had to cut the main line and get out. I had five employees working with me. It took me about 40 minutes to get home because of traffic.
“I took some pizzas over to the police department, because they were just sitting there and I thought they could use them. It’s been crazy. This is kind of big. I’m not expecting to be open tomorrow, but I’m hopeful.”
Early last evening, Michael Ricupero of Lawrence was looking to reconnect with his wife in the confusion.
“I was eating supper and I heard this large crash and that was the end of that. I didn’t know what it was . ... We got stuff together, basically I got my water, I got my wallet and my credit card,” he said.
“Now my plan of action is to sneak back up to where I live. I want to make sure everything’s OK. No. 1, I just want to see if the house is still standing . ... I feel a little worried about my home. I want to make sure everything is all right, that’s all and I just want to make sure my wife’s OK, too. Ya know, I want her back in my loving arms.”
Firefighters from the region responded to the roughly 70 fires reported by the Massachusetts State Police.
“This would be a first for me, I’ve never seen a scene this large,” said Durham, N.H., fire Capt. Gary Kustra.
Officer James King from the Boston Fire Department said the breadth of the fires was something he’d never seen.
“Nothing at this level,” King said. “We’re in the air supply unit. Some Boston companies are here, but we were told by our alarm to come up here and bring as much as we can.”
Locked-out workers from National Grid issued a statement last night offering their help.
“First, our sympathy and prayers are with the families in the communities rocked by this terrible crisis, and with the utility workers and first responders working to save lives and repair the gas system,” read the statement attributed to Joe Kirylo, president of United Steelworkers Local 12003 and John Buonopane, president of United Steelworkers Local 12012.
“United Steelworkers Locals 12003 and 12012 would like to immediately offer our assistance to help in this very serious, life-threatening situation. Our 1,200 veteran natural gas workers are ready now to offer our experience and technical expertise during this crisis and to help safely restore service to the region.”
USW Locals 12003 and Local 12012 represent about 1,250 gas workers in more than 85 Massachusetts cities and towns. For more information, visit www.lockoutatnationalgrid.com.