One dead, several injured in gas explosions near Boston

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00:38

Updated at 11:28 a.m. BJT

One man was killed as a series of 70 explosions, believed to be from a gas pipeline rupture, rocked three communities near Boston, Massachusetts on Thursday.

The victim identified as 18-year-old Leonel Robson, was sitting in his car on Chickering Road in Lawrence, north of Boston, when a chimney from a house explosion fell on his car, local media reported.

Updated at 9:20 a.m. BJT

At least six people have been injured in a series of fires and explosions north of Boston which resulted in evacuations, reported local media.

Lawrence General Hospital said it's treating six patients from the gas explosions including two in critical condition.

The local fire department has suspected the explosions could have been set off by pressure issues with Columbia Gas lines, but have not confirmed a cause.

Updated at 7:44 a.m. BJT

State police have confirmed that at least 70 locations were affected by fires, explosions and "investigations" of gas odor.

Massachusetts State Police Photo

Updated at 7:17 a.m. BJT

Multiple fires and gas explosions rocked towns north of Boston in the US state of Massachusetts, on Thursday, state police said.

State police later put the tally of fires and explosions at 39 and said that number was expected to grow.

It was too soon to speculate about a cause, but local media reports cited the possible rupture of a gas line, said police.

So far, the casualties were unknown.

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