Philadelphia, Jun 29 (AP) One person died and two others were injured after an explosion damaged several homes on Philadelphia's north side early Sunday, according to authorities.

Firefighters responded to a report of an explosion just before 5 am, according to the Philadelphia Fire Department.

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Daniel McCarty, the department's executive officer, said there was extensive damage to about five homes, including collapsed structures. One person died and two others who were rescued were hospitalised. McCarty said one was reported stable while the other was in critical condition.

Crews were expected to continue search and rescue operations.

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“The biggest thing is the stability of the surrounding houses, making sure that this hazard doesn't spread,” McCarty said. “This will be an extensive, all-day operation for the Philadelphia Fire Department."

Authorities had not determined the cause of the explosion. (AP)

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)