BOSTON - A utility official says a home in Boston exploded after construction crews accidentally struck a natural gas line.


Homeowner Michael Burns told reporters no one was home at the time of the blast. There are no reports of injuries but around 40 homes in the neighborhood have been ordered evacuated.

NStar spokeswoman Caroline Allen says the explosion at about 8:30 a.m. Wednesday occurred after a contractor for the Boston Water and Sewer Commission installing a water main at an intersection in the Hyde Park neighborhood hit the gas line.

Gas was released into the home, which was completely flattened. There were no visible flames but a plume of smoke rose from the wreckage.

The house is not far from Boston Mayor Thomas Menino's home.


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