Driver killed in gas explosion

PRESCOTT, Wis. - A pickup truck crashed into a home and ruptured a natural gas line, causing an explosion that killed the driver and injured a police officer, authorities said.

The pickup plowed into the house late Saturday and came to rest about 6 feet inside, said Police Chief Mike Bondarenko.

Officer Benjamin Henrich went to investigate the crash and detected a strong odor of natural gas, and as he was trying to make contact with the driver an explosion destroyed the house.

The pickup had damaged a natural gas meter on the building.

Henrich was thrown 15 to 20 feet and the lone occupant of the pickup, a woman, died in the subsequent fire, the chief said.

Bondarenko said Henrich was treated for minor lacerations and burns. The homeowners were not injured. *

Associated Press