At least 1 killed, 4 injured in U.S. Dallas gas explosion

At least one person was killed and four others were injured on Thursday after a gas explosion damaged a residential building in Dallas, the U.S. state of Texas, with at least 11 residents being unaccounted for, local media reported.



Officials with Dallas Fire-Rescue told NBC Dallas-Fort Worth television station that the explosion in the Oak Cliff district had triggered a fire and partial collapse of the building, where 23 people used to live.



"We can all confirm that there are fatalities. We are still working through the recovery phase," Dallas Fire-Rescue Deputy Chief Mark Berry said at a news conference without disclosing the exact number.



Nearly 100 firefighters conducted search operations using drones and heavy equipment on the scene. Authorities said casualty figures could change as rescue efforts continued.



Witnesses reported hearing a powerful explosion that shook nearby buildings and sent smoke and debris into the air.



The cause of the explosion remains under investigation.