By Kalhan Rosenblatt and Associated Press

A massive natural gas explosion in Wisconsin left one firefighter dead and five others hospitalized, officials said.

Firefighters and police officers responded to a reported gas leak caused after a contractor struck a natural gas main, and an evacuation was underway when the blast happened Tuesday, said Sun Prairie police Lt. Kevin Konopacki. He added that lives were likely saved as a result of the evacuation.

In a press conference held Wednesday morning, Konopacki and Fire Chief Christopher Garrison confirmed that a more than 10-year veteran firefighter had died while responding to the explosion.

On Wednesday afternoon, Mahlon Mitchell, president of the Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin, identified the firefighter as Captain Cory Barr.