Four dead in US home explosion heard 14km away

Four people died and two others were injured in a Michigan house explosion that could be heard miles away, police said.

The explosion happened in Northfield Township, about 72 kilometres west of Detroit. The structure was destroyed, leaving only the basement, Northfield Township Police Lieutenant David Powell told reporters.

The blast, which could be heard about 14 kilometres away, sent debris into the air that landed on both sides of a nearby highway.

Neighbouring homes were not damaged, Powell said.

Six people were in the home, with four fatalities discovered at the scene and the two surviving victims hospitalised in critical condition.

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Police did not immediately know if the victims were related, Powell said.

Authorities have not determined the cause of the explosion.

Northfield Township police did not immediately return a message from The Associated Press seeking additional information.