Authorities in Rusk County are saying a Gregg County man was killed Tuesday afternoon when a natural gas pipeline exploded in southeastern Rusk County.

Officials said the 12-inch line was broken by a tractor on a mowing crew. The operator struck a natural gas line, causing the rupture.

The victim of the explosion has been identified as Connor Wilson of White Oak and worked for Thuderhorse Oilfield Services.

The accident occurred around 5:15 p.m. yesterday, and the pipeline was owned by Enbridge.

Residences in a one-mile radio around the ruptured were evacuated, but allowed to return just before 10 p.m. last night. The scene is about 12 miles southeast of Henderson.

The explosion was heard about 17 miles away in Carthage.

Connor Wilson leaves behind a wife and four children.