At least two people died and five people were injured after an explosion leveled a gas station near Winterplace ski resort Tuesday morning.
Authorities suspect that a propane tank exploded at about 10:45 a.m. at the Flat Top Little General Store on Route 19.
Firefighters were responding to a report of a leak at the store when the explosion occurred, according to a supervisor with Raleigh County Emergency Services who identified herself only as Operator 908.
It's not clear if any firefighters were injured but the operator said there were reports of damage to the truck.
Five people were taken to Raleigh General Hospital for treatment, a spokeswoman said.
At least three fire departments, 15 ambulances, officials with county and State Police, the Division of Highways and regional response teams were dispatched to the scene.
Route 19 was blocked to traffic following the explosion, which was felt at least a mile away.
"I thought we got struck by lightning. The whole building shook. The power went off," said Ben Monast, manager of The Ski Shop.
