NiSource Settles Massachusetts Gas Explosion Lawsuits For $143 Million

Utility operator NiSource Inc on Monday said it will pay $143 million to resolve class action lawsuits brought by residents and businesses that suffered losses caused by a series of gas explosions in three Massachusetts communities last year.

NiSource and its Columbia Gas of Massachusetts unit said the accord will resolve claims by thousands or residents and businesses affected by the disaster, which killed one person, injured at least 21 others and destroyed multiple buildings.

The blasts in Lawrence, North Andover and Andover, communities northwest of Boston, occurred while Columbia Gas was replacing cast-iron pipe with plastic lines and prompted large-scale evacuations of thousands of residents.