1 Dead, 10 Wounded in Canton Gas Explosion: Officials

One person is dead and 10 are wounded after a large gas explosion that rocked the downtown area of Canton, officials confirmed Wednesday night.

Several buildings were damaged and first responders were still searching for victims about 8 p.m, a Fulton County official said.

“We are able to confirm there is one deceased victim. One victim has been life-flighted to Peoria to receive treatment for a non-life-threatening chest wound,” Christopher Essner, of Graham Hospital in Canton, said in an email. “The other nine victims are being treated at Graham Hospital with cuts, bruises, and broken bones.”

The Fulton County Emergency Services and Disaster Agency advised residents to avoid the area.

Canton is about about 30 miles southwest of Peoria.

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