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10 injured, hundreds evacuated after dozens of explosions hit Boston buildings

News Nation Bureau | Edited By : Nabanita Chakorborty | Updated on: 14 Sep 2018, 11:26:43 AM
10 injured, hundreds evacuated after dozens of explosions hit Boston (Representational Image)

New Delhi:

At least 6 residents were injured and another hundred evacuated after a series of gas explosions hit a gas pipeline at the buildings of United States’ Boston. According to reports, the blast, which started at around 5 pm also damaged a total 23 buildings and residences in several Massachusetts towns in the US. Those affected places include the towns of Lawrence, Andover and North Andover.

According to Massachusetts State Police, as many as 70 reports of fires, explosions were reported in a widespread zone encompassing the east coast towns of Lawrence, Andover and North Andover.

"Gas lines are currently being depressurized," police tweeted, adding that "it will take some time," the police official said, adding "Numerous evacuations of neighbourhoods where there are gas odours are underway," police said. "Far too early to speculate on cause. A joint investigation will be conducted when the situation is stabilized".

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A team of investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board has also left for the spot this morning. The injured in the gas explosions is currently going under medical treatment at the Lawrence General Hospital with two of them in critical condition.

Meanwhile, Andover Police Department spokesman Lt. Edward Guy said, "There are multiple basement fires in Andover. It's some kind of gas issue". "We urge residents if they are smelling gas to get out of the house and contact 911. We will get units out there," Guy added.

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The mayor of Lawrence requested all the residence in the southern zone of the town to leave their homes ahead of the planned power shutdown. Authorities were scheduled to cut power to thousands of meters and asked residents with utility service to evacuate immediately.

Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker said in a statement he was "actively monitoring the situation," urging residents to heed instructions from local officials.

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First Published : 14 Sep 2018, 08:18:54 AM

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