Springfield, Mass. (AP) - The state fire marshal says a gas company worker responding to reports of a natural gas leak in western Massachusetts punctured a pipe and an unknown spark ignited a massive explosion that injured 18 people.
Authorities on Sunday didn't name the Columbia Gas Co. worker who pierced the high-pressure pipe in Springfield, one of New England's largest cities.
Friday's explosion there damaged more than 40 buildings.
Some officials called it a miracle that no one was killed. The cause of the spark that ignited the explosion is still unknown.
Most of the injured were part of a group of gas workers, firefighters and police officers who ducked for cover behind a utility truck just before the blast.
The gas company planned a news conference for later Sunday afternoon.
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