1 missing after natural gas line blast in Texas

CLEBURNE, Texas - A large natural gas line in North Texas erupted yesterday after utility workers accidentally hit the line, sending a column of fire into the air, officials said.

One worker was missing for hours after the blast before he was found dead.

Thirteen other workers were accounted for, said Johnson County Emergency Coordinator Jack Snow.

Laura Harlin, of nearby Granbury, said she heard a "huge rumbling" that initially sounded like thunder and then like a tornado. "For about 10 minutes, it was so loud that it was like there was an 18-wheeler rumbling in your driveway," she said.

Seven workers went to a hospital. Glen Rose Medical Center said two were treated and released, and four others were in stable condition. One was taken to Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth.

The gas line is owned by Houston-based Enterprise Products Partners LP.

Valves on the 36-inch line automatically shut down gas to that section of pipe, and the fire was out about two hours after the explosion. - AP