Columbia Gas owner's stock has biggest one-day drop since 2001

NEW YORK — The price of Columbia Gas’ stock plunged following the dozens of gas-fueled explosions and fires in the Merrimack Valley.

NiSource fell nearly 12-percent on Friday, the largest decline since November 2001.

Thursday’s blasts left an 18-year-old man dead and injured 25 other people.

According to the company’s website, NiSource serves nearly four-million national gas and electric customers across seven states through subsidiaries including Columbia Gas and NIPSCO.

"Our thoughts and continued support are with those who have been injured and affected," Columbia Gas of Massachusetts said in a statement. "We are focused on providing as much support as possible to our customers, residents and communities."

Governor Charlie Baker declared a state of emergency in Lawrence, North Andover and Andover. He said he’s not satisfied with the way Columbia Gas is handling the recovery efforts and put Eversource is charge.

Lawrence Mayor Dan Rivera also blasted Columbia Gas.

“Since [Thursday], when we first got word of this incident, the least informed and the last to act has been Columbia Gas,” Rivera said. “It just seemed like there’s no one in charge, like they’re in the weeds and they’ve never seen this before.”

Columbia Gas of Massachusetts President Steve Bryant fired back, saying his company is "committed to the community."

Cox Media Group