A house explosion in Bel Air, Maryland, early Sunday killed two people and displaced 12 families, likely due to a gas leak, according to fire officials.

The blast, which was felt and heard by neighbors, damaged nearby homes and left one person dead at the scene, with a second body later found in the rubble.

The explosion heavily damaged a neighboring house, injuring a woman inside.

The first victim was identified as a contractor for the utility company BGE, the Associated Press has reported.

Authorities are investigating the cause and assessing the extent of the damage, but there is no ongoing threat to the public.

Written by B.C. Begley