Gas explosion rips through US city

A giant natural gas explosion has killed a utility worker in Philadelphia.

The explosion was caught on video as firefighters and utility employees worked to patch a high pressure gas main that had ruptured in a residential neighbourhood.

The body of the Philadelphia Gas Works employee was found after flames calmed down.

Four other workers and one firefighter were transported to local hospitals, the Philadelphia fire commissioner confirmed.

Firefighters had been called to the site about 15 minutes before the explosion after residents reported smelling natural gas in the neighbourhood.

Before the blast, about 50 residents were evacuated from the neighbourhood.