A fiery natural gas pipeline explosion in South Texas has forced dozens of people from their homes and canceled classes at a nearby school.
Nobody was hurt in the accident around 4:15 a.m. CDT Friday near Encinal (EN'-suh-nahl), 25 miles north of Laredo. Authorities are seeking the cause of the blast.
City Manager Velma Davila says 30 to 40 people who live near the pipeline evacuated to Encinal City Hall, as a precaution. Classes were canceled Friday at Encinal Elementary School, about 500 yards from the pipeline.
The operator, San Antonio-based Lewis Energy Group, says the gas flow was shut off and the fire was out by 10 a.m. Friday. A company statement says officials are working with law enforcement and government agencies about the damage and cleanup.
