The Morning Call reports that three deaths have been confirmed by authorities. However, residents say two more people, including a 4-month-old infant, were killed in the blast.
Allentown fire officials say the explosion and subsequent fire destroyed eight homes. Several more homes and businesses suffered damage.
The cause of the explosion is assumed to be natural gas, but that has not been confirmed. An investigation by the Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission is under way.
Watch Wednesday night's firefighting effort in Allentown:
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