In the United States, at least five people are reported to have been killed and dozens injured after an explosion ripped through a gas power plant under construction in Middletown in Connecticut.

The blast, which could be heard miles away, immediately brought a response from ambulances, helicopters and rescue workers.

There have been reports of people trapped under the remains of a plant building.

Up to 100 people are thought to have been working at the plant when the explosion happened.

It is believed a leak in a natural gas pipeline running near the plant caused the explosion, which shook homes up to 30 miles from the site.

The entire back section of the plant was blown away and other buildings were heavily damaged.

Firefighters took over an hour to contain the fire caused by the blast.