JERUSALEM - At least three people were killed late Thursday night by an explosion in the central Israeli city of Netanya, local source told Xinhua.

The strong blast at a building also wounded more than ten people and trapped dozens. Security forces and rescue service have arrived at the scene to evacuate the residents.

The cause for the explosion was still unclear. Officials quoted the possibility of a gas leak and said the blast was not likely a bomb attack.

Meanwhile, police was searching for a car and two people who were seen leaving the scene shortly after the explosion, according to the local Ynet news service.