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TUSCALOOSA, AL — The Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office says emergency crews responded Friday afternoon to a reported explosion and house fire in the 14000 block of Shiloh Road in Ralph.

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Captain Jack Kennedy, commander of the multi-agency Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit, said a 77-year-old woman was seriously injured.

In an update Friday afternoon, Kennedy said the victim was airlifted to UAB Hospital in Birmingham and reported that the explosion and subsequent fire was the result of trying to light the pilot light in the oven.

He then said VCU is working with the state fire marshal's office due to the seriousness of the victim's injuries and unknown prognosis.

Kennedy said there were no immediate signs of foul play or criminal actions.

This is a developing story. Tuscaloosa Patch will have more details as they come available.

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