Gas explosion causes fire in West Virginia

An apparent gas explosion Tuesday afternoon in U.S. state of West Virginia engulfed several houses in a massive fire. It is unclear if there were casualties, local media reported. Local TV station WCHS-TV reported the explosion happened about 1 p.m. local time in Sissonville,Kanawha County. Several houses were on fire, and one of them is reportedly connected to a nursing home. Flames and billowing smoke from the raging fire could be observed from a far distance away. After the explosion, the area along the gas line was evacuated. Several people were treated for smoke inhalation. It's not clear how many people, if any, have been hurt or killed. Local officials have ordered shelters to be set up in nearby schools and churches. As the fire gradually dies down later in the afternoon, firefighters have begun to search for possible deaths and injuries in the burnt houses.