Deadly gas explosions in three towns of US, 1 dead

At least one person died and 12 were injured after dozens of fires and suspected gas explosions erupted leading to mass evacuations from US towns north of Boston, police said. Massachusetts State Police said they had responded to 70 reports of fires, explosions and the smell of gas in a widespread zone encompassing the east coast towns of Lawrence, Andover and North Andover. “Gas lines are currently being depressurised,” police said on Twitter, adding that “it will take some time.” “Numerous evacuations of neighbourhoods where there are gas odours are underway,” police said. “Far too early to speculate on cause. Joint investigation will be conducted when situation is stabilised.”