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9 Seattle firefighters injured in morning fire, explosion

SEATTLE (WISH/AP) – A gas line explosion and fire in Seattle sent nine firefighters to the hospital, officials said.

The blast occurred in the city’s Greenwood section after fire crews responded to reports of a natural gas leak, Seattle Fire Department spokeswoman Corey Orvold said.

About 40 minutes after they arrived, an explosion rocked the area, she said.

Officials say the injured included eight firefighters and one Battalion Chief. They were rushed to a hospital with minor injuries.

There is no word of any other injuries or anyone missing. But Orvold said dogs were being used to go through the rubble just in case.

Pictures from the scene howed a partial building collapse, windows shattered in surrounding buildings, including plate-glass windows of area businesses destroyed, and debris tangled in trees and scattered over a large area.

At least one and possibly two buildings were heavily damaged, while several others in the area have shattered windows and other problems.