One person has been killed and at least 23 have been injured after a gas pipe exploded in Northern California.

The explosion happened near San Francisco airport and created a huge ball of flames that swept across and engulfed over 50 buildings, officials have said.

Residents of the area admitted they thought the loud bang from the blast was either an earthquake or a plane crashing.

The injured have been transported to local hospitals – including those with burn treatment centres. Regrettably, the local coroner’s office has reported one fatality.

The gas line that exploded belongs to the Northern California utility Pacific & Electric Co.

The fire is still burning, despite the efforts of water-dropping aircraft and land-based fire crews tackling the blaze constantly. The fire spread rapidly after high winds descended after the explosion at around 6pm on Thursday night, local time.

Dennis Haag, the San Bruno Fire Department Chief, said: “The fire is being contained at this point.”