5 MLGW workers injured in gas line fire

SHELBY COUNTY, TN (WMC) - Five MLGW workers were taken to the hospital after a gas line exploded on Winterpark Drive near Margaux Cove.

Three people are in critical condition; two others were taken to the hospital in non-critical condition, according to Memphis Fire Department.

The workers were repairing a 2 1/2 inch underground gas line when it exploded, sending flames out of the manhole.

"Quite bad, kinda horrific," said Randy Smith, who lives five houses down from where it happened. "There was actually guys down in the hole. One of the MLGW workers, he was attempting to pull one of his coworkers out the hole. At the same time, there was another trying to crawl himself out the hole."

Even though houses on the street were not damaged and nobody living nearby was injured, it was a scene that neighbors will never forget.

"This really was a bad sight," Smith said. "I hate I saw that. I mean, it's not every day you see grown men crying and calling for their mamas. My thoughts and prayers go out to their family."

Copyright 2014 WMC Action News 5. All rights reserved.

Copyright 2014 WMC Action News 5. All rights reserved.