BUSHLAND (November 5, 2009)--At least three people were hurt Thursday in a natural gas pipeline explosion near Bushland, about 15 miles west of Amarillo.

The Potter County Sheriff's Department said the predawn blast shook homes and melted window blinds at around 1 a.m. Thursday.

The fire was contained several hours after the blast.

Chief Deputy Roger Short said the three people who were hurt suffered burns.

They were taken to a hospital in Amarillo.

Short told The Associated Press that his home is about 20 miles away and he could see the flames from there.

The cause of the explosion is under investigation.

Crews from El Paso Natural Gas and Atmos Energy were at the scene.

Gas was shut off to the line and most evacuated residents were being allowed to go home.

Short says one house was destroyed and a number were damaged.

Bushland schools started classes one hour late.