Possible house explosion in Eden Prairie, 4 people hospitalized

Eden Prairie home explosion

Authorities are investigating a possible explosion in Eden Prairie that led to two homes catching on fire early Friday morning, leaving four people hospitalized following the incident.

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (FOX 9) - Four people were hospitalized following two fires in adjoining houses in Eden Prairie early Friday morning.

The Eden Prairie Fire Department says they were called to a report of a structure fire on Lee Drive around 12:30 a.m. When crews arrived on scene, they found two adjoining homes, both with active fires. Four people were taken out of the homes, two adults and two children, and they were transported to a nearby hospital to be evaluated for any possible injuries. Three victims have since been released, but an adult is still hospitalized for burn treatment.

Eden Prairie Fire Chief Scott Gerber says the cause is unknown at this time, however one neighbor says they heard two loud explosions prior to the fire.

Possible house explosion in Eden Prairie, 4 hospitalized

Two homes were destroyed by fire early Friday morning in Eden Prairie.

"I was in bed, it was a little after 12 a.m., and I heard a very large explosion," Steven Hunt, who lives on the block, told FOX 9. "It knocked glass off our table, I thought it was a lightning strike close to the house. I came outside and heard another large bang, went down the street, and saw the flames shooting off the house. And then the second house caught fire too."

Matt Worthington, Eden Prairie Fire's lead investigator, told FOX 9 there were four pets in the home on the left, none of which have been found. There were three pets in the home on the right, two have been found alive.

In an update Friday afternoon, two dogs and three cats remain unaccounted for.

The investigation is ongoing.

This is a developing story, check back for updates.