1 killed, several injured in gas explosion in Illinois town

CANTON, Ill. (AP) - Authorities say one person was killed and several people injured in a natural gas explosion in the central Illinois community of Canton.

Officials say the explosion Wednesday evening occurred near the downtown square and damaged several buildings. The blast shattered windows several blocks away and forced the evacuation of residents from nearby apartment buildings.

Canton, a city of about 14,000, is about 30 miles southwest of Peoria.

Authorities said the cause of the explosion, which occurred at the Opera House Professional Center, hasn't been determined. The Peoria Journal Star reported that the explosion took place shortly before 6 p.m. after Ameren Illinois workers arrived about 5:30 p.m. following a report that a contractor had damaged a gas line.

Authorities say 11 victims were taken to Graham Hospital in Canton. Fulton County Coroner Steve Hines said one of the victims - an employee of Ameren Illinois - later died at the hospital. One victim was taken to OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria with non-life threatening injuries.

The Fulton County Emergency Services and Disaster Agency reported that multiple buildings had been damaged and that large amounts of debris were scattered around the town square. Onlookers reported that the historic 19th century Opera House, which now houses offices, had been severely damaged by the blast.

"We have structural engineers in the area checking area buildings. This is a very slow and methodical process. They are working hard and as fast as possible," the Fulton County ESDA said in a statement late Monday.

Katie Lynn, Fulton County public information officer, said businesses in a two-block area around the square would remain closed as authorities continue to assess the damage.