Three people have died in a Georgia house fire caused by multiple propane tanks exploding

Three people died and three others were injured in a house fire near Auburn, Ga., early Saturday morning when several propane tanks exploded, officials said.

Just after midnight, firefighters responded to reports of an explosion at a home on Hidden Acres Road in the Winder area and that several people were trapped under the rubble, Barrow County Emergency Services said on its Facebook page.

“There were explosions going on inside the house” when firefighters arrived just after midnight, Barrow County Fire Chief Alan Shuman told news outlets.

Shuman said the house collapsed from the fire. Two patients were taken by ambulance and the third by helicopter to area hospitals, Barrow County EMS said. Their conditions have not been confirmed.

Three people were found dead inside the home, Barrow County Emergency Services said. Officials have not released the names of the victims.

“This is a very tragic event that resulted in loss of life and injuries,” Shuman said. “The firefighters and medical staff at the scene did an outstanding job under the circumstances. We also want to remind citizens that it is very dangerous to store propane cylinders in your home or any other premises.”

Once the fire was contained, several propane tanks were found inside the home, which led to the explosion, Barrow County Emergency Services said.

The Barrow County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the incident with assistance from the Georgia State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Barrow County Sheriff’s Office.