Propane blast levels Pennsylvania home, kills woman and injures man

JEFFERSON, Pennsylvania — An explosion that leveled a home in northeastern Pennsylvania, killing a woman and seriously injuring a man, was likely caused by a propane leak, state police said.

The explosion in Jefferson Township, near Scranton, was reported around 2 p.m. Tuesday, sparking a fire that sent thick smoke high into the air and debris flying through a residential area.

A 75-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene, while a man was removed from the home and taken to hospital. Details about his condition were not released.

State police said the source of the propane leak and the cause of the ignition are still being investigated.