At least one person was tragically killed when a house in South St. Paul, a suburban neighborhood near Minneapolis, was engulfed in flames following a mysterious explosion on Thursday morning. The South Metro Fire Department responded to the scene at 1221 9th Ave. South shortly after 6:18 a.m. CT, where they found the home already fully ablaze.

Chief Mark Juelfs of the South Metro Fire Department confirmed the fatality, but did not disclose any details about the victim's age or gender. Rescue crews are currently working to locate any other individuals who may be unaccounted for, as the house has been completely demolished.

An eyewitness, David Johnson, described feeling the impact of the explosion while he was in his garage enjoying his morning coffee and cigarette. He recounted, "It was one big boom and several little ones after that."

According to property records, a 77-year-old woman and her 42-year-old son were listed as residents of the destroyed home. Johnson, who lives two doors down, mentioned that an older woman in a wheelchair and her adult son also resided there. He described how the family would use a handicap-fitted van to transport the woman.

The fire was swiftly extinguished, allowing investigators to begin sifting through the debris in search of any additional victims. Johnson reported, "There's nothing left of the house, they're taking the bodies out right now."

Shortly after the incident, local authorities requested residents to avoid the affected area, located about 17 miles southeast of downtown Minneapolis. The South St. Paul Police Department issued a statement urging cooperation, saying, "The road will be closed for some time, please give our responders a hand and avoid the area until further notice."

The cause of the fire and subsequent explosion remains under investigation, as stated by Chief Juelfs. Authorities are working diligently to determine what triggered the devastating incident.