Gas line explosion rocks southern Ohio

Authorities say the fire from a natural gas line rupture and explosion is under control in a rural area of southern Ohio.

On Wednesday morning, a gas line explosion on the Athens-Morgan county line in Ohio shot flames hundreds of feet into the air, witnesses told CBS affiliate WBNS in Columbus, Ohio. People up to 12 miles away felt the explosion.

No immediate evacuations took place, but authorities are cautioning residents to stay away from the area. The Morgan County sheriff's office says one woman was taken to a hospital after she was found walking down the road away from the fire and carrying her dog. Her condition is not known. Authorities also say two homes were damaged in Homer Township near Glouster.

The cause of the explosion is still unknown. Houston-based Tennessee Gas Pipeline Co. says it was a rupture in its interstate natural gas transmission line. Company spokesman Richard Wheatley says a team has isolated the pipeline segment involved and shut the gas off. Their gas line had previously broke in Hanoverton, Ohio in February, according to WBNS.

Video from the scene shows several structures burning. Reports say that a house and/or barn are on fire, while other footage shows at least three buildings succumb to the flames.

The Athens County Emergency Operations Center added that the area is relatively remote, with few residences. Another piece of good news is that it has been raining the last couple of days, so the forest near the blaze is not in danger. Athens County firefighters are on the scene, and local law enforcement are providing preliminary security.