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Gas explosion rocks Center Township

Beaver County blast destroys home, garages

ALIQUIPPA — Author­ities said that an early morning methane gas explosion in Pennsylvania that destroyed one home, promp­ted evacuation of others and closed an interstate.

No injuries were reported.

Beaver County officials said that the blast in Center Township was reported shortly before 5 a.m. Mon­day.

Officials said that a home, two garages and several vehicles were destroyed by fires caused by the blast. However, crews were able to move several horses to safety.

Witnesses reported hearing a loud boom and seeing an orange glow fill the sky.

Pipeline owner Energy Transfer Corp. said that the valves to the pipeline were shut off and the fire was out by 7 a.m.

The Dallas-based firm blamed the blast on “earth movement in the vicinity of the pipeline.”

About 25 to 30 homes near the site were evacuated as a precaution.

The Central Valley school district canceled all classes due to the blast.

Interstate 376 was closed due to danger from falling power lines.

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