Emergency crews are responding to as many as 20 suspected gas explosions in the US state of Massachusetts.
Police are reportedly asking residents in Lawrence and North Andover to evacuate following multiple fires and explosions after a gas line blew up.
The Eagle-Tribune newspaper reports at least one home has been destroyed.
Massachusetts State Police and the Fire Marshal’s office say they are responding to multiple suspected gas explosions and fires in Lawrence, North Andover and Andover.
Lawrence police Chief Roy Vasque told The Eagle-Tribune he had "never seen anything like this".
Methuen Police Chief Joseph Solomon says there are 20 to 25 homes on fire in Lawrence. Solomon, who’s in Lawrence, says there are so many fires "you can’t even see the sky".
Officers are on scene and additional troopers are responding to assist with scene security and traffic control after "multiple suspected gas explosions and structure fires".
Columbia Gas says they have multiple crews headed to Lawrence and North Andover to assess the situation.
Lawrence Mayor Dan Rivera says the issue appears to be in the southeast part of the city. He says all residents should evacuate their homes if they smell gas.
"What we know is that there have been multiple explosions, multiple fires that are happening across the city," Rivera told WBZ.
"What we need folks to do is that if it’s happening in your home, you have a funny smell, just evacuate, come out to the street."
We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.
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