Debris after what was described as a “major incident” in Leicester, central England, Sunday Feb. 25, 2018. Four people were hospitalized in critical condition following an explosion that left a building in the English city of Leicester in flames Sunday, local emergency agencies said. (Aaron Chown/PA via AP) (Associated Press)
 
LONDON — Police say four people have died in an explosion that collapsed a building in the English city of Leicester.
Officials said Monday another four people are hospitalized and more people may be missing. A search and rescue operation is continuing.
Superintendent Shane O’Neill of Leicestershire Police says the building where the incident happened consisted of a shop and a two-story apartment above it.
The building collapsed after the explosion and was engulfed in flames. Police declared a major incident and evacuated neighbors as a precaution.
The cause has not yet been established. Police say it does not appear to be related to terrorism.
Leicester is 110 miles (180 kilometers) north of London.
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