LAWRENCE, MA (WBZ-AM) – Massachusetts State Police say an astute helicopter flight officer and special thermal imaging technology are to thank for preventing further gas-leak-related incidents in Lawrence Thursday night.
Trooper Eric Fairchild, a tactical flight officer providing overwatch support, was using the aircraft’s FLIR (Forward Looking InfraRed Camera) when he observed an anomaly under the pavement at the intersection of Broadway and Andover Street at approximately 11 p.m.
The flight crew advised the Lawrence Fire Department of the observation. Firefighters responded and discovered a major gas leak under the pavement.
State Police are crediting Fairchild and the team of MSP Air 5 with preventing another “potentially catastrophic” event. The photos below show FLIR footage of the leak. In the third photo, a firefighter stands over the leak.
PHOTOS: Facebook / Massachusetts State Police