A Chevron gas pipeline exploded in the northern Texan town of Milford on Thursday, forcing authorities to evacuate each one of the 700 residents and about 200 school children.

According to local authorities, a 10-inch natural gas pipeline was hit by a construction crew while it was excavating in the area at 9:30 am.

At first, workers let the fire burn since the shut off valve was out of reach believing it safe.

"At approximately 9:30 a.m. CST today there was an incident at a Chevron liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) pipeline near Milford, Texas. A crew was performing excavation activities at the site when a rupture in the line was reported. Five workers at the site were immediately evacuated. All employees are accounted for and there are no reported injuries," Chevron informed.

On a Chevron update, the company apologized for the incident:

Chevron is continuing to depressurize the West Texas LPG pipeline that ruptured and subsequently ignited today at approximately 9:30 a.m. CST. The fire continues to decrease in size as residual product is flared and burned off. Chevron continues to monitor the nearby 14-inch LPG pipeline and is in the process of mobilizing resources to remove product from it and depressurize the line.

Chevron continues to work with the appropriate local, state agencies and emergency response organizations to assess and respond to the incident.

Local unified command has established a 1.5 mile evacuation zone at the site, and approximately 700 people in the town of Milford have been asked to evacuate. The local Red Cross has mobilized to assist those impacted in the region. Chevron has also established a toll-free claims hotline for affected residents: (855) 276-1272.

Chevron would like to express our sincere regret to those impacted by this incident. Our priority continues to be the safety and wellbeing of the community, our employees and responders.