SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) -  Authorities say there's been a major gas explosion in downtown Springfield, Massachusetts.

Police Sgt. John Delaney say authorities are evacuating the area, and the mayor also is on the scene.

A witness in a nearby barber shop tells WWLP-TV he heard a loud explosion that knocked him to the other side of the store. He says he looked up the street and saw one building severely damaged. The station reports that two buildings have been damaged, and the blast was felt for miles away.

There is no immediate word on injuries but ambulances have been sent to the scene.

There are reports that a gas leak was being investigating before the explosion.

Springfield is the largest city in western Massachusetts with a population of about 150,000.

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