A man has been seriously injured in an explosion and fire at a house in Tralee, Co Kerry.
The incident occurred just after 5pm at Manor East, on the outskirts of the town.
Witnesses described neighbouring buildings shaking in the explosion.
The house was then engulfed in flames.
Two units of the Kerry Fire Brigade from Tralee and a unit from Castleisland fought the blaze before bringing it under control.
The explosion and fire destroyed the house.
Four people were brought to University Hospital Kerry for treatment.
One of them, a man who is understood to have been a resident of the house, is in a serious condition. His injuries are not believed to be life threatening.
Gardaí said the house has been preserved for a technical examination.
Foul play is not suspected in the cause of the fire.
