Explosion in New Jersey killed at least 1 person

Explosion in New Jersey killed at least 1 person

Two homes were leveled early Friday as a result of strong explosion. One person was killed and at least three more injured.

The explosion occurred around 7:30 a.m., and involved a vacant house and a new home that was under construction, said Paul Loriquet, spokesman for the Essex County prosecutor's office.

Construction workers were on the scene when the explosion occurred, he said.

"There was a strong gas odor emanating from the location, so we believe gas could have been involved in the explosion," Loriquet said.

The names of the victims were not immediately released.

The explosion happened in a neighborhood in Irvington, about 5 miles (8 kilometers) west of Newark.