Six people were rescued from the rubble of a collapsed home in Jefferson City, Missouri, after an unexplained explosion early Saturday morning.

The victims, who suffered moderate to severe injuries, were taken to University Hospital, with some requiring helicopter transport due to critical conditions.

Emergency responders, using specialized equipment, spent over three hours extricating the victims and two pets from the debris, NBC News has reported.

The cause of the explosion is under investigation.

Written by B.C. Begley