Explosions set structures on fire across dozens of blocks and forced evacuations in Lawrence, Andover and North Andover, Massachusetts State Police said. Not all gas had been shut off by Thursday evening and some of the lines were overpressurized, officials said.
"This has been an overwhelming event," Andover Fire Rescue Chief Michael B. Mansfield told reporters. "I have been in the fire service for almost 39 years and I have never seen anything like this in my entire career. ... It looked like Armageddon, it really did."
There was no immediate information available about the extent of the damage. "Far too early to speculate on cause" of the explosions, authorities said.
Witnesses described a harrowing scene. Lawrence resident Ra Nam told CNN affiliate WCVB that a boiler in his house caught fire. Minutes later, a loud boom came from his neighbor's home. Three people rushed out.
Lawrence General Hospital received 10 patients, one of whom was in critical condition and one listed as serious, according to spokeswoman Jill Halsey. One patient was transferred. Andover officials said a firefighter was among the injured.
Firefighters put out 35 fires in Andover, town officials said. The cities are north of Boston.
Отсюда
Что-то стряслось с газовой трубой к северу от Бостона и там небольшой городишко (вернее даже три) буквально взлетел на воздух. Множество зданий разрушено, 10 человек прострадало, 1 критически. Что случилось никто объяснить пока не может. Даже железную дорогу остановили, отменив поезда на Мейн.