CARACASzoombingo, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- At least eight people were killed and 22 others injured on Monday in a gas explosion in a town east of Venezuela's capital Caracas, a government official said.

"Unfortunately, eight people are dead, including two babies. We extend our deepest condolences and solidarity to their families," Hector Rodriguez, governor of Miranda state, said in a post on social media.

Those injured in the blast in the town of Petare were taken to hospitals for treatment, said Rodriguez.

zoombingo|8 killed in Venezuela gas explosion

Earlier, the governor said the accident was caused by a "gas leak and subsequent explosion of the cylinder."■