Teen killed when exploded chimney falls on car

Multiple fire trucks from surrounding communities arrive Thursday, September 13, 2018, in Lawrence, Mass., responding to a series of gas explosions and fires triggered by a problem with a gas line that feeds homes in several communities north of Boston. (AP Photo/Phil Marcelo)

LAWRENCE, Mass. — Authorities said an 18-year-old man has died after a house exploded amid gas explosions north of Boston, sending a chimney crashing into his car.

Officials have identified the victim as Leonel Rondon, of Lawrence. They said he was rushed to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, where he died around 8:30 p.m. EDT of his injuries.

Gov. Charlie Baker said 10 other people were injured Thursday in a series of fires and explosions that authorities blame on over-pressurized natural gas lines.

The company that owns Columbia Gas said its crews are performing safety checks after a series of fires and explosions erupted in three communities north of Boston, but did not explain what went wrong.

A statement from Indiana-based NiSource said its “thoughts are with everyone affected by today’s incident” and that it appreciates the response from local emergency crews.

State and local officials said at a news conference minutes earlier that they had still not heard from Columbia Gas following the fires in Lawrence, Andover and North Andover. Baker later clarified that he thought the company’s response was “adequate.”  /kga