Search begins for clues in deadly Allentown explosion

    Twenty four hours ago, the fire was still burning.

    This morning, the search for clues about what caused a massive explosion that rocked Allentown and killed five people is in its beginning stages.

    Wednesday night’s explosion involved an underground gas main that lacked shut-off valves. It took utility workers five hours of punching through ice, asphalt and concrete to seal the 12-inch main.

    Lehigh County Coroner Scott Grim says four bodies were recovered — a 4-month-old boy, a 16-year-old girl, a 69-year-old woman and a 79-year-old man. Cadaver dogs found the fifth victim, a 74-year-old woman, in the rubble last night.

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    In all, 47 homes were damaged, and eight appear to be a total loss.

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