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PROSPECT, KY (WAVE) – Three LG&E subcontractors were injured when a gas main exploded along a stretch of U.S. 42 in Oldham County.

Rick Albers, public information officer for the North Oldham Fire Protection district, said a construction crew was digging in the 12600 block of U.S. 42 just east of Ridgemoor Drive when the gas line was hit causing the explosion around 5 p.m. Wednesday.

Albers said there was no fire associated with explosion. He called it a pressure explosion and said flying shrapnel caused the injuries to the workers.

[SLIDESHOW: Pipeline explosion closes portion of U.S. 42]

Albers said the injured workers were taken to an area hospital. One of the subcontractors appeared to have serious injuries, but none of their injuries appeared to be life threatening. Officials with Norton Healthcare said one of the workers was being treated at Norton Brownsboro Hospital and listed in good condition.

Natural gas is continuing to leak from the main. Our Air 3 flight crew reported they could smell natural gas while flying at 2,000 feet over the scene.

The Louisville Metro police have shut down U.S. 42 traffic heading into Oldham County at the Jefferson County line. Outbound traffic is being stopped at Hillcross Parkway. It is unclear when the stretch of road will reopen to traffic.

An after-school program was being held at Goshen Elementary at the time of the explosion. Oldham County Police said the children were not in danger in any time. Parents were able to pick up their children from the school.

Albers said a number of homes were evacuated as a precaution. Those residents were taken to New Goshen Presbyterian Church nearby.