Deadly house explosion in New Jersey investigated

ELIZABETH, N.J. -- One person is dead and two others are in critical condition following a powerful house explosion in Elizabeth on Wednesday morning, authorities said.

Officials say as many as five people may be trapped in the debris.

The blast left the house badly damaged, and firefighters were seen treating victims on stretchers outside after rescuing them, reports CBS New York. Two other homes also suffered damage.

Elizabethtown Gas was on the scene to investigate whether gas was the cause. The Twitter user, @lulune6c, posted that there is a strong gas odor in the area.

"It sounded like a plane crash and I thought it was because we are so close to the airport," said neighbor Kayon Pryce. "I was on the phone and the phone blew out of my hand."

Pryce also said the house that exploded is a two-family unit with an apartment in the garage. He said the first floor tenants had just moved in.

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• New Jersey
• Explosion