The explosion occurred on Saturday evening, likely as a result of a rupture of a city gas pipeline, the newspaper Giornale di Sicilia said. According to Il Messaggero, at least two people were found dead, while two women have been rescued from the debris.
The blast led to the collapse of a four-storey building. Nearby buildings were also affected. Twelve people are reported missing.
According to the newspaper il Messaggero, the missing include three children and a pregnant woman with her husband.
Search and rescue efforts are ongoing. According to some media reports, one person was pulled dead from the rubble.