In the wake of more than 60 explosions in Merrimack Valley Thursday, members of the local community are finding ways to lend a helping hand.
Prince Pizza of Saugus delivered dozens of pizzas to makeshift shelters, police barracks, and staging areas in Lawrence, North Andover, and Andover early Friday afternoon. They are also planning a comedy night to benefit victims of the explosions, said owner Steven Castraberti.
“It’s astounding,” he said. “I don’t think I remember anything this intense happening this close in my life.”
A rapid-fire series of gas explosions ignited fires in 60 to 80 homes in Lawrence, Andover and North Andover, forcing entire neighborhoods to evacuate as crews scrambled to fight the flames and shut off gas and electricity. Gas remained shut off Friday in most of the area, and the streets were eerily deserted, according to the Associated Press.
Authorities said Leonel Rondon, 18, of Lawrence, died after a chimney toppled by an exploding house crashed into his car. He was pronounced dead at a Boston hospital Thursday evening.
Massachusetts State Police urged all residents with homes serviced by Columbia Gas in the three communities to evacuate. More than 400 people are estimated to have spent the night in shelters.
Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) blamed the fires on gas lines that had become over-pressurized but said investigators were still examining what happened.
Friday morning, Patricia Castraberti posted on Facebook that Prince Pizza was looking for ways to help and volunteers were needed to help deliver pizzas to people in shelters and first responders.
“It didn’t take long for social media to get to people,” said Steven Castraberti. “It’s just what we do here. The whole area. It could have been Saugus, Lynn, and Revere instead of Lawrence, Andover, and North Andover. It could have been any of our towns so I just feel like people are willing (to help.)”
By 10 a.m., Steven Castraberti was working on cooking and delivering 30 pizzas and trays of pasta, salad, and other quick menu items.
“We’re trying to feed as many people as possible as quickly as possible,” he said.
Steven Castraberti wasn’t the only one trying to find ways to help.
The city of Revere established a collection point at the fire station on Revere Beach Parkway, said Mayor Brian Arrigo. He also urged donations of bottled water, energy drinks, dried fruit, granola bars, crackers, other quick snacks, and toiletries.
“The people of our great city are generous and compassionate,” said Arrigo. “Let us show our fellow Massachusetts residents that they are in our thoughts and we stand ready to help however we can.”
Monetary donations can be made on the Red Cross Massachusetts website or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS. A $10 donation can also be made by texting REDCROSS to 90999.
The Salvation Army Services Team is in Lawrence working to keep more than 300 first responders fed and hydrated. The agency said they also had reception centers set up in Andover and North Andover. More information can be found on the Salvation Army Emergency Disaster website.
The Essex County Community Foundation has launched a Lawrence Emergency Fund. Donations made to the fund during this time will support those affected by the fires in the Greater Lawrence area.
Volunteers can also sign up to help at redcross.org/volunteer/become-a-volunteer.
Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.
