Police: Vernon House Explodes, Collapses, People Rescued: UPDATED

UPDATE, 7:40 p.m. The Connecticut Urban Search and Rescue Squad is on scene, as are representatives of the Drug Enforcement Agency, Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Connecticut State Police, the state fire marshal's office and the Vernon fire marshal. No cause has yet been determined, Lt. William Meier said.

"At this time, we believe everyone has been accounted for," Meier said.

Fire officials stated they expect East Street to be closed for the duration of the night.

UPDATE, 5:55 p.m. Lt. William Meier said seven people were on the property, with four inside the dwelling including a young child under age 10 who sustained "significant injuries." All were rescued with unknown injuries and taken to area hospitals.

Original Story

VERNON, CT — Police and firefighters are responding to an explosion at a house on East Street.

Police spokesman Lt. William Meier said the incident is at 4 East St. The road runs from Rockville to Route 30.

The home has collapsed, Meier said.

And "multiple" people are believed to be trapped inside, Meier said.

Multiple fire departments have been called to the scene, including Ellington, police said.

Portions of East Street and East Main Street are closed, and Meier said a search-and-rescue team has been called to the scene.

He said it will be "an extended operation."

Scanner reports indicate there could be as many as four people unaccounted for.