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Surveillance video: Explosion damages Fitchburg auto shop

FITCHBURG, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) – Investigators say an accidental natural gas leak from a pipeline at Lunenberg Street and Lynnwood Street caused the explosion that rocked an auto body shop in Fitchburg.

The incident happened Tuesday night at Victory Auto Supply and Speed Shop on Lunenburg Street. The entire left side of the building collapsed and the explosion scattered debris everywhere.

A fire official told FOX 25 that the explosion was caused by a failure of the natural gas pipeline at Lunenberg Street and Lynnwood Street. The gas traveled underground and met with an ignition source in the store.

Seven buildings in total in the area have some structural damage. Witnesses said they could feel the blast from miles away. One man living near the shop said his power went out.

The store's owner was inside with a customer when it happened.

No one was hurt, but 10 people were displaced by the explosion. The Red Cross assisted them in finding hotels for the night.

The explosion was investigated by the Fitchburg Fire and Police Departments and State Police assigned to the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

The state Department of Public Utilities assisted with the investigation into the cause of the explosion and is conducting their own investigation into the incident.