An explosion caused by a ruptured gas line has forced evacuations on the 300 and 400 blocks of Race Street in Old City Thursday morning.
Construction crews hit a gas line near 4th and of Race sts. causing it to erupt and ignite a fire, officials said.
"A fireman knocked on our door and told us we were being evacuated," said local hostel owner Alicia Newton. "He told us there was an explosion, although we didn't hear anything, so we were suprised."
No injuries have been reported. Newton also claimed there was no smell of gas in her hostel.
"Everyone is safe, we are all outside," she added.
Officials blocked off several blocks of Race Street and asked motorists to avoid the area, near the entrance to the Ben Franklin Bridge.
Crews were making emergency repairs to the ruptured gas line.
