By Michael Donoghue, Vermont News First
Two people are dead and three others are injured following a report of a major explosion at a home in the remote town of Granville in Addison County on Saturday night.
A man died at the scene, while a woman was pronounced dead after she was rushed by first responders to Gifford Medical Center in Randolph, Vermont State Police said.
Three other adults were taken to the hospital, one in critical condition and two with minor injuries.
The names of those involved were not immediately available as the investigation unfolded and the notifications of next of kin were being made.
Vermont News First received some preliminary reports immediately after the 7:45 p.m. explosion that a couple of people were either fatally or critically injured. Early reports also said some were possibly trapped in the rubble.
Multiple ambulances were enroute to the Central Vermont community of about 300 people.
The explosion was believed linked to a propane gas tank.
Vermont State Police said they were sending uniform troopers, detectives and members of the Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit (FEIU) to the town.
Attempts to reach the Granville Volunteer Fire Department by Vermont News First were unsuccessful. The Vermont Division of Fire Safety also was responding.
While first responders were enroute on Saturday evening, State Police Major Steven Coote said preliminary reports indicated that it was a residence that had the explosion.
He said VSP was attempting to get the needed resources to the rural scene.
Coote said cell phone service is spotty in the area and information was limited.
Granville is wedged between the town of Warren to the north in Washington County and Hancock to the south, along Vermont 100.
A helicopter from Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center was put on alert, a spokesman said.
VSP fire investigators are expected to be at the site most of Sunday trying to determine what happened.
Vermont State Police investigates most serious fire and explosions at homes and businesses. They also handle any cases involving serious bodily injury or death.
.