CANTON, Ohio --
A home in Canton in Stark County was destroyed Thursday in an explosion and fire.
Neighbors said they heard the blast at about 9:40 a.m. at the home in the 800 block of Smith Avenue NW, NewsChannel5 reported. They said the fire burned so hot that it melted the siding off of the houses nearby.
It also shook houses blocks away, NewsChannel5 Akron Bureau Chief Pete Kenworthy reported.
A six-month pregnant woman living next door was taken to Aultman Hospital to get checked out. The windows on her home were blown out.
A firefighter was also taken to the hospital, likely with heart problems, Kenworthy said.
Neighbors said the home was vacant, but they had seen one of the residents there Thursday morning. A gas can was also found outside the home.
The home collapsed during the fire and will have to be completely demolished.
The cause of the blast is under investigation.
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