Explosion Levels House in New Jersey, Woman Killed

A woman's body was found in the basement, police said

A woman died in an explosion at her New Jersey home Wednesday morning, and police say she had called neighbors for help on her cell phone, but they couldn't reach her. 

State Police Lt. Stephen Jones said authorities received a call about a possible explosion at a home on New Street in Hunterdon County's Hampton Borough shortly before 7 a.m.

The house was engulfed in flames when first responders arrived, and part of it collapsed, he said. 

Authorities found her body in the basement, police said.

Fire officials said there was no natural gas line to the house, and the owner may have used a propane tank in the backyard. The cause of the explosion is under investigation.

Houses on either side of the wrecked home were evacuated as a precaution. 

--Tracie Strahan contributed to this story

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