New Delhi, Aug. 12 -- One person was killed in what is suspected to be a house explosion as severe storms blew through the US Midwest on Tuesday (local time).

The person who died in Indiana passed away in Portage, which lies around 30 miles from Chicago. Firefighters were unable to reach on time due to the massive damage and debris the storm left behind, NBC reported, citing police officials.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, but officials suspect the weather may have played a role.

Police Capt Rob Maynard said in a press conference that despite having lived for 50 years, the storms he saw on Tuesday were "probably the most severe weather event that any of us here can remember."

Fire Chief Chris Crail said, "When this call...