Anthony explosion injures at least one

At least one person has been injured and several buildings damaged in the Kansas town of Anthony after a gas explosion and fire forced the evacuation of two downtown blocks.

The blast occurred about 12:30 p.m. Wednesday in the south-central Kansas town, located about 50 miles southwest of Wichita.

Firefighters were still battling the blaze hours later.

City administrator Don Heidrick said the cause was under investigation Wednesday evening, but initial reports that a trash truck hit a gas meter appeared mistaken.

The explosion knocked down a worker walking behind the trash truck as it picked up litter in an alley.

He was taken to a Wichita hospital with series injuries to his ribs and spine.

Several firefighters were treated for apparent heat exhaustion.