Massive gas explosion leaves six dead and dozens injured

Six people were killed and dozens were injured, some seriously, after a huge explosion sent flames roaring through a town near San Francisco.

Authorities said there could be other casualties but they were hampered by the fire and darkness. More than 50 houses were destroyed in the blaze in San Bruno, near San Francisco airport, on Thursday night.

The explosion, which was apparently triggered by a broken gas line, shot a fireball more than 300 metres (1,000 feet) into the air. The blast was heard for miles and left a giant crater. Witnesses described seeing frightened residents fleeing for safety and rushing to get belongings from burning homes. San Bruno Fire Captain Charlie Barringer told the Los Angeles Times: "I thought a 747 had landed on us. It shook our station right to its foundation."

Flames leapt up to 30 metres as the fire fuelled itself on burning homes, leaving some in ruins.