2 Injured in St. Louis House Explosion

— -- A house in St. Louis exploded Thursday, sending fire spreading to nearby homes and leaving two residents in critical condition, authorities said.

The explosion occurred before 10:15 p.m. at the house in the 700 block of Thrush Avenue.

More than 80 firefighters responded to the explosion, according to a media release from the St. Louis City Fire Department.

The blast leveled the home, littering the area with debris. Flames poured from the wrecked home, and two adjacent homes caught on fire, fire officials said.

One person was trapped inside and pulled from the rubble after about 20 minutes, authorities said. A second occupant was also taken to the hospital. Both occupants were listed in critical but stable condition Friday.

The cause of the explosion is under investigation.