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At least one person burned in Pennsylvania natural gas explosion

By Amy R. Connolly
Residents said the shocks from the explosion in Salem Township, in Westmoreland County, Pa., could be felt miles away. Photo by Leon Samulski/Facebook
1 of 2 | Residents said the shocks from the explosion in Salem Township, in Westmoreland County, Pa., could be felt miles away. Photo by Leon Samulski/Facebook

SALEM TOWNSHIP , Pa., April 29 (UPI) -- At least one person suffered burns in a natural gas explosion in a small town located about 40 minutes outside Pittsburgh shortly after 8:30 a.m.

The explosion involved a portion of the 9,096-mile pipeline owned by Spectra Energy called the Texas Eastern Transmission line. It connects Texas and the Gulf Coast with the Northeast.

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The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection was en route to the scene. Homes and businesses around the area were being evacuated. Officials said it will take several hours for the residual gas in the line to burn off.

The injured person was taken to a local hospital. The extent of injuries is not clear.

The explosion happened at Route 22, a main artery through Salem Township in Westmoreland County, and Route 819. Local residents said the shocks from the explosion could be felt miles away.

The township has a population of about 7,000.

This story is developing

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