Gas Explosion Levels Springfield Building; Several Hurt

Updated November 23, 2012

The Associated Press

Authorities say a natural gas explosion in one of New England's biggest cities has destroyed two buildings but hasn't killed anyone.

They say firefighters and gas company workers are among more than a dozen injured people.

The explosion in a downtown area of Springfield blew out all windows in a three-block radius, leaving three more buildings beyond repair and prompting emergency workers to evacuate a six-story apartment building that was buckling.

Police Sgt. John Delaney says it looks as though there was a missile strike where the explosion leveled the multistory building at its epicenter.

Officials at two nearby hospitals say a total of 16 victims were transported with injuries but none was critical.

Firefighters responded to the scene at 4:20 p.m. and were investigating a gas leak when the blast happened shortly after 5 p.m.

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This article was originally published on November 23, 2012.

This program aired on November 23, 2012. The audio for this program is not available.