A house explosion in Texas has injured 6 people, firefighting officials say

Six people were taken to hospital after a house in a Dallas suburb was flattened by an explosion Monday afternoon, rescue officials said. Plano Fire Rescue said on Twitter that an explosion had been confirmed at the site, but they did not know the cause. Atmos Energy Corporation, one of the country’s largest natural gas distributors, helped with the investigation. Fire officials said one resident was inside the house and was injured. The other five were neighbors, and witnesses told local news outlets they heard a series of explosions that sounded like lightning. Most of the nearby homes were also damaged, with a neighbor telling KTVT: “Suddenly I heard what I thought was a sliding glass door breaking.” “And I just noticed two picture frames on the wall falling off and the sound not matching. When my husband walked into our garage, our garage ceiling collapsed.” Plano police told the station that they were shutting off gas lines in the area. “We are saddened by today’s tragedy of a house exploding in our city. Many of our residents have been injured,” Plano Mayor John Mons said in a statement, citing KXAS-TV. “We keep them and their families close to our hearts and hope for a speedy and complete recovery. Plano Fire-Rescue works very hard. To determine the cause of the explosion. We ask you all to keep the victims in your prayers.” Video footage from the scene shows the ruins of the house where the house was once littered with debris and lumber scattered throughout the yard and into the street. There were thunderstorms in the area on Monday afternoon Contribution: The Associated Press.