Daniel McCarty, the Philadelphia Fire Department's executive officer, said there was extensive damage to about five homes, including collapsed structures.

The explosion, which occurred Sunday morning on the 1900 block of West Bristol Street, killed one woman and left two others hospitalized, including a longtime employee of the Philadelphia City Council. The blast partially collapsed three rowhomes and forced dozens of nearby residents to evacuate.

At least one person is dead and two others are injured following a massive explosion early Sunday in North Philadelphia that completely leveled three row houses.