That was a close one! Gas line explosion in Milford spreads clouds of concern

Image: Everyone was concerned early Thursday morning after a gas pipeline explosion outside Milford created a huge smoke cloud that signaled family members to call home and check on loved ones.

Everyone was concerned early Thursday morning after a gas pipeline explosion outside Milford created a huge smoke cloud that signaled family members to call home and check on loved ones. (Barry Byers)

Image: The site of the gas explosion rages on after several construction vehicles were engulfed after unintentionally drilling into the line.

The site of the gas explosion rages on after several construction vehicles were engulfed after unintentionally drilling into the line. (Barry Byers)

Image: Amazingly, the fire remained centrally located around the damaged rig, unable to scorch the surrounding pasture and farm land due to recent rains.

Amazingly, the fire remained centrally located around the damaged rig, unable to scorch the surrounding pasture and farm land due to recent rains. (Barry Byers)

Image: The crippled Chevron pipeline was eventually contained via valve shutoff points and left to burn itself out.

The crippled Chevron pipeline was eventually contained via valve shutoff points and left to burn itself out. (Barry Byers)

Image: Dangerous smoke cuts thru what was looking to be a scenic day.

Dangerous smoke cuts thru what was looking to be a scenic day. (Barry Byers)

Image: Smoke and fire emerge from the tree line and cast an ominous cloud over citizens in nearby Milford and the surrounding rural area.

Smoke and fire emerge from the tree line and cast an ominous cloud over citizens in nearby Milford and the surrounding rural area. (Barry Byers)

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(Barry Byers)

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(Barry Byers)

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(Barry Byers)

Image: Milford is CLOSED. Some 700 citizens of MIlford have been evacuated or 24 to 36 hours.

Milford is CLOSED. Some 700 citizens of MIlford have been evacuated or 24 to 36 hours. (Barry Byers)

Image: This check point on Highway 77 monitors traffic flow between Italy and Milford.

This check point on Highway 77 monitors traffic flow between Italy and Milford. (Barry Byers)

Image: The Milford Fire Department sets up a traffic check point.

The Milford Fire Department sets up a traffic check point. (Barry Byers)

Image: News vans out of Dallas setup camera perches around Milford.

News vans out of Dallas setup camera perches around Milford. (Barry Byers)

Image: Neighboring fire departments cover for one another. With the Italy Fire Department releasing all its available emergency vehicles to the scene, Blooming Grove sends an engine over to cover the Italy station.

Neighboring fire departments cover for one another. With the Italy Fire Department releasing all its available emergency vehicles to the scene, Blooming Grove sends an engine over to cover the Italy station. (Barry Byers)

Image: Italy HS seniors Bailey Walton and Taylor Turner leap into action to direct incoming traffic to their school from neighboring communities who are wishing to seek shelter after being evacuated from their homes.

Italy HS seniors Bailey Walton and Taylor Turner leap into action to direct incoming traffic to their school from neighboring communities who are wishing to seek shelter after being evacuated from their homes. (Barry Byers)

Image: Italy HS Principal Lee Joffre rolls into the dome with donated meals from Hillsboro’s Black-eyed Pea for Milford’s evacuees.

Italy HS Principal Lee Joffre rolls into the dome with donated meals from Hillsboro’s Black-eyed Pea for Milford’s evacuees. (Barry Byers)

Image: Senior volunteers Kevin Roldan and Shad Newman assist Italy FFA teacher Blake Godwin with traffic control around the school.

Senior volunteers Kevin Roldan and Shad Newman assist Italy FFA teacher Blake Godwin with traffic control around the school. (Barry Byers)

Image: Italy ISD superintendent Barry Bassett and Italy HS principal Lee Joffre coordinate relief efforts with Milford representatives.

Italy ISD superintendent Barry Bassett and Italy HS principal Lee Joffre coordinate relief efforts with Milford representatives. (Barry Byers)

Image: News crews hunker down outside the Italy Coliseum dome-nasium that also serves as a community shelter.

News crews hunker down outside the Italy Coliseum dome-nasium that also serves as a community shelter. (Barry Byers)

Image: Italy HS principal Lee Joffre checks in with camera crews posted up outside the Coliseum.

Italy HS principal Lee Joffre checks in with camera crews posted up outside the Coliseum. (Barry Byers)

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