An explosion that appeared to be caused by natural gas destroyed several houses in Allentown, Pennsylvania, causing at least one death, authorities said on Thursday.
Allentown fire officials told a news conference at least one person was killed and five other people were missing in the wake of the blast that occurred about 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday, local media reported.
The explosion and blaze damaged at least eight rowhouses, according to Allentown Police Captain George Medero.
"Preliminary indications look like it was a gas explosion that resulted in an explosion and a fire," Medero said.
Hundreds of people were evacuated from a nearby apartment complex, authorities said.
Allentown authorities were planning an 11:30 a.m. briefing to provide further details.
A spokesman from the Lehigh County Coroner's office said it "was still working the scene" and could not offer any information as of 9:30 a.m. ET.
(Additional reporting by Wendell Marsh; Writing by Ellen Wulfhorst; Editing by Jerry Norton
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