Gas pipeline fire in Oklahoma contained after spectacular fireball

ROSSTON, Okla., Oct. 9 (UPI) -- A natural gas pipeline explosion near Rosston, Okla., produced a spectacular fireball visible 50 miles away, but no injuries, authorities said.

The fire, late Tuesday in the state's western panhandle region, was quickly contained, and officials said they allowed the fire to burn itself out.

Flames shot so high they could be seen from 50 miles away, KFOR-TV, Oklahoma City, reported. A comment left on the Facebook page of KAKE-TV, Wichita, Kan., said the explosion "rumbled for an hour and a half."

Homes in the area were evacuated in the area, and nearby Highway 283 was closed for 2 hours, WFOR-TV said.

Northern Natural Gas authorities have not confirmed the cause of the explosion.