1 killed, 4 injured after presumed gas blast in Germany

One woman was found dead early on Saturday, after four other people with injuries were pulled from the ruins of a collapsed building in western Germany following what officials assume was a gas blast the night before.

Rescuers are working to ascertain the dead woman's identity. Rescue work is also continuing to make sure no one else remains trapped or undiscovered.

At least two of those pulled from the ruins remain in "acute danger," said fire department spokesperson Andreas Schulte.

Of the two other rescued, one has been taken to hospital, but is not in serious condition. The other person sustained only minor injuries.

The house collapsed after the blast, Schulte said. "I've seen buildings after gas blasts before, but I've never seen such utter destruction."