[ad_1]
LAWRENCE – Columbia Gas on Sunday denied hundreds of residents of southern Lawrence who had queued for hours demanding damages after being forced to flee their homes following gas fires and explosions.
Within hours of opening the Old Lawrence High School's claims center, families seeking help and answers were squeezing into the building and into the street, overwhelming the company's ability to respond to all their needs. needs in one day.
After waiting in some cases until three o'clock in the hot sun, families received a blue ticket and were told to return on Monday.
Many were frustrated by the delays and the lack of answers.
"It's horrible that they did it now," said Richard Cruz, who was told three hours after queuing, that he would probably have no chance to apply on Sunday. Cruz stated that he worked during the week until 18 hours. and will have to come back Monday and stand in line again.
Over the past four days, he has spent over $ 500 in a hotel, food and gas and wants to be reimbursed.
Columbia Gas officials should have realized earlier that their claims handling system was inadequate instead of waiting so long for families, said Renata Rena, who had about 100 people with her 3-year-old daughter.
Many people have lost time, Rena said, instead of cleaning their homes after the damage caused by several days without electricity or gas.
"I'm tired, I'm frustrated," she said.
Columbia Gas officials said they saw more than 400 people on Sunday, but it took a long time to process claims. The company also provided families with gift cards worth $ 100 to $ 300 to manage food and other needs.
The company had about 30 representatives working in the claims center, and plans to double that staff on Monday, said Daniel Ball, a spokesman for the company from Ohio to deal with the situation.
Thursday's gas maneuvers and explosions were criticized by Governor Charlie Baker and the City of Lawrence officials, who were unhappy with Columbia Gas's slow response and vague responses.
Last week, Baker declared the state of emergency and asked Eversource, a competing utility, to manage the operations.
On Sunday, Baker said he heard complaints about long queues.
Baker, "expects Columbia to adequately manage the claims center to address the concerns raised by residents affected by the Thursday incident," said Sarah Finlaw, Baker's spokesperson .
On Sunday, residents of Andover, Lawrence and North Andover who had been evacuated last week were able to return home.
The current has been restored to almost everyone in the region, Baker said at a press conference Sunday morning.
All affected households have been cleared of all gas, Baker said, and 8,600 gas meters have been shut down in the area.
"We are very happy that people can go home," said Baker.
Still according to Baker, much remains to be done in the recovery effort.
Lawrence Mayor Daniel Rivera said municipal authorities would work with residents to eliminate red tape.
"This is not the time to make sure we have three copies of each document."
Rivera was moved thanking those who contributed to a growing relief fund.
"The fact that we were able to raise $ 100,000 in two days is comforting," he said. "We will do well by your money and this support."
An 18-year-old man was killed and at least 25 people were injured in Thursday's fires and explosions.
Sean Smyth Globe staff contributed to this report. Deirdre Fernandes can be contacted at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @fernandesglobe.
[ad_2]
Source link
