Firefighters at the scene of a house that exploded in Montreal, Thursday, January 24, 2013. (MAXIME DELAND/QMI Agency)

MONTREAL - Three men were seen running from a Montreal home shortly before it exploded and caught fire Thursday morning.

A spectacular blaze shot flames and smoke into the sky from the new development in the east part of the city.

Only torched brick walls remained by the end of the day.

Firefighters worked to minimize the fire from damaging the house next door.

Witnesses said they saw three men run into the house, then run out again just before the explosion. Police continue to investigate.