Several houses explode in Baltimore, Maryland, trapping people inside

A major explosion occurred in a residential area in Baltimore, where several people, including children, are trapped, a local firefighters union said on Twitter.

Baltimore Firefighters IAFF Local 734 confirmed the authenticity of its account to CNN by phone without providing additional detail, as first responders — including members of Local 734 — were on route the scene.

James E. Bentley, the Baltimore City Mayor’s spokesman, told CNN he is aware of the reports and was headed into a meeting about the situation.

This is a developing story.