Messages of fear, dismay pour out on social media

Social media lit up with expressions of alarm, fear and amazement as multiple gas explosions rocked Lawrence, Andover and North Andover at about 5 p.m. yesterday and people evacuated to safety:

@michaelfidias in Andover: “Kicked out of my own home. It sounds like Andover is going to burn.”

@dj_zati in North Andover: “Just evacuated my condo. House explosions everywhere. #news #northandover #houseexplosions”

@christinacabybara in Andover: “Safety Check-In. My town and the neighboring town and city have been evacuated due to multiple gas Explosions. I was evacuated and am safe. Sounds like a war zone with massive fire engines and police response. Boston news channels are covering the situation. Please pray for the residents and the responders.”

@let_it_be2015 in Lawrence: “This was by far the scariest ride home of my life. 20+ homes blowing up due to gas in a three town radius. Please keep Lawrence and surrounding towns in your thoughts. Material things will be needed once the damage has been assessed. It’s going to be a long road to recovery after this one.”

@lancerbooth in Lawrence: “If you happened to be at school this afternoon, you would have heard the ‘evacuate immediately’ announcement and seen teachers and students running out of the building and huddling on the soccer field to watch the smoke and the helicopters. It was a scary scene for a teacher so I can’t imagine what you students are feeling. I hope you and your families are safe. I love you all!!”

@dogbertbh in Andover: “We’re still at Brody’s Football practice. Figured we’re safest in an empty field with no gas lines under us.”