Man hurt in gas pipeline explosion

COLD SPRING(AP) -- A gas pipeline worker was hospitalized in fair condition Friday after an explosion just west of Cold Spring.

Police said Bob Larson, 27, was trying Thursday to seal a leak on the pipeline owned by CenterPoint Energy Minnegasco when the line ruptured and a spark ignited the gas. Larson works for Michels Pipeline Construction.

Larson was taken to St. Cloud Hospital with burns on his forearms and hands.

The explosion happened around 1:30 p.m. as crews are working on the pipeline in preparation for the State Highway 23 widening project.

"We deeply regret that there has been an injury to one of our people and are going to do everything we can to help him," said Brian Johnson, executive vice president at Michels.

Minnegasco officials said about 60 customers lost gas service because of the accident.

The Minnesota Office of Pipeline Safety, Minnegasco and Michels were investigating.