Explosion in North Portland Levels House

An explosion and fire that leveled a house near Penisula Park in North Portland Monday afternoon also damaged two neighboring houses.

At 2:45 p.m. the loud blast briefly shook The Skanner's office, followed by gray smoke and debris in the atmosphere. Neighborhors said they felt the explosion blocks away.

KATU News reports that two people have died -- one person was found dead at the site and another died later at the hospital. A firefighter was also hospitalized with minor injuries.

An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the explosion.