A minimum of one person is dead and another 5 missing in Allentown, Penn. A gas explosion rocked a community at 10:45 p.m. local time Wed, Feb. 9. At least sixteen homes have been ruined by the still-burning fire. 6 houses, at least, have been destroyed as well. Source of article - Allentown, Pennsylvania, natural gas explosion damages 24 homes by MoneyBlogNewz.

Allentown, Penn., where the explosion from gas occurred

The Allentown gas explosion is still a mystery. The reason for it's unknown. The Allentown fire chief said that the causes are "under exploration.". A huge natural gas explosion like that would take a lot of gas. In fact, a stove would have to have been left on a long time or a gas leak would have had to been undiscovered for a long time for it to have occurred like that. The blast was really strong. It was so strong that computer monitors were sent to houses which were 6 to eight houses away.

Evacuation because of gas explosion of over 600 people

There were over 600 individuals evacuated after the natural gas explosion in Allentown, Pennsylvania. At least 6 homes were entirely burned down. This was since the explosion started a fire. It caused 16 other houses damage. They all were hit. There can be inspections of close apartment complexes also. This could be done before everyone is allowed to return. 5 individuals are nevertheless missing from the explosion and fire. At least one is already confirmed deceased as well.

Soon an examination will occur with the Natural gas main

According to the UGI Utilities, Inc., representative, there was a “routine leak inspection” done on the gas main near Allentown, Penn., where the gas explosion occurred and had passed. Lots of the city is on top of a 12-inch cast iron natural gas main. It's regularly checked though for leaks. The utility also indicates that there was no history of leaks under the row housing that exploded and no calls about gas odors. What caused the natural gas explosion is something the company doesn’t know. Both sides of the gas main were sealed to stop the burning fire on Thurs morning. This took crews 5 hrs considering they had to cut through reinforced concrete first.

Articles cited

MSNBC

msnbc.msn.com/id/41504665

Salon

salon.com/wires/business/2011/02/10/D9L9TOSO0_us_building_explosion/index.html