Attorney: Methane probed in NW Pa. house explosion

BRADFORD, Pa. (AP) — The attorney for a northwestern Pennsylvania home owner whose house inexplicably exploded and burned in December says methane gas migrating through a water well is being investigated as a cause in that blast, and another similar explosion nearby last month.

Olean, N.Y. attorney Ethan Lyle says an investigator from his office was at a meeting Tuesday in Bradford Township, where local, state and federal officials discussed concerns about migrating methane gas. The Bradford Era newspaper first reported the meeting, and McKean County Sheriff Brad Mason has since confirmed its purpose and said the house explosions were discussed.

Migrating methane has become a concern near natural gas drilling sites nationally. A drilling company has agreed to pay $4.1 million to 19 homeowners whose water wells were tainted by methane, though the company continues to deny causing the pollution.