By Joe Johnson
Three people were killed and another three were injured in an early morning house fire in Winder, according to Barrow County Emergency Services.
Multiple explosions reportedly erupted in the blaze, apparently caused by propane tanks in the home on Hidden Acres Road in the western Winder near the city of Carl.
"As firefighters arrived quickly, multiple explosions were going off inside the home," county Fire Chief Alan Shuman said. "The home was fully involved in fire and was collapsing as a as a result of the fire."
The fire was so intense that firefighters were unable to immediately enter the residence and fought the inferno from defensive positions, Shuman said.
Firefighters rescued three people who were trapped in the residence.
"This is a very tragic event that resulted in loss of life and injuries to others," Shuman said. "The firefighters and medical personnel on the scene did a great job under the circumstances. We also want to remind citizens that it is extremely dangerous to have propane cylinders stored in your home, or any other structure."
Officials have not released the names of the deceased and injured victims.
The Barrow County Fire Marshal's Office is leading the investigation into the incident, assisted by the Georgia Fire Marshal's Office and Barrow County Sheriff's Office.