Three killed, two missing after Allentown explosion

Update: Action News reports three people have been dead and two are still missing. Six people were originally declared missing, but authorities believe one person was not home at the time of the fire.

Original story: A house explosion in Allentown has spawned fires, downed power lines and prompted the evacuation of two city blocks.

6abc reports that 6 people are missing, and 30 homes have been damaged.

Fire Chief Robert Scheirer said the cause of the explosion was unknown but natural gas from a ruptured underground line was feeding the fire. He said about 500 people evacuated, including elderly residents of a high rise.

UGI utility crews have shut off the gas in the area, but the fire continues to blaze.

We’ll keep you updated.

UPDATE:  The fire has been put out, and residents who were evacuated are returning to their homes.