One person was killed and seven others were injured in Baltimore on Monday by a natural gas explosion that destroyed three homes, authorities said. The explosion occurred in the northwestern part of the city shortly before 10 a.m., officials said. The cause of the explosion was not immediately known.

The Baltimore City Fire Department confirmed that as of Monday night one person was killed and seven others were injured and transported to local hospitals. Four people were in serious condition, the department said. “We will continue to dig through the debris through the night,” the department said via Twitter. “The cause remains under investigation. Baltimore Gas and Electric Co. said in a statement that it’s working with the fire department to “make the situation safe” and switch off gas to buildings in the area.

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan tweeted, “We are closely monitoring the situation in northwest Baltimore following this morning’s horrific explosion. We have reached out to offer our full support to the ongoing response and recovery efforts, and are deeply grateful to the first responders on the scene.”

1 dead and 7 injured after massive gas explosion destroys houses in Baltimore

Via www.nbcnews.com