Two people were hospitalized with “blast and burn injuries” after a violent explosion tore through a Shell gas station in Denver, Colorado, authorities said.
The Denver Fire Department said the blast happened Thursday, March 19, at the station near 6th Avenue and Bryant Street — sparking a fire so serious it triggered a “large emergency response” as crews swarmed the scene.
Photos shared by the fire department showed major damage to the building while firefighters blasted the area with water to knock down flames and hot spots.
What caused the explosion?
Early reports point to a natural gas leak. CBS News, citing a preliminary investigation involving Denver police, the fire department, and Xcel Energy, reported the blast was linked to a gas leak inside the building.
Officials said arson investigators were also heading to the scene to figure out exactly what happened and how the explosion started.
Confusing early details — then a key update
Right after the incident, Denver police warned the public about closures around 5th and Bryant while officers investigated what they initially described as a crash involving a motorist who hit a building.
But police later walked that back, saying it appeared no motorists were involved.
“It felt the shockwave”
A nearby witness described a terrifying moment as the blast hit.
Robert Lopez told FOX31 Denver he was across the street with coworkers when they suddenly felt it.
“The whole side of the building just exploded and went out into the street,” he said, adding that flames erupted right after.
Lopez also said the impact was so strong people in his building didn’t just hear it — they felt it.
“It was pretty, pretty intense,” he told the station. “We literally felt the shockwave.”
Or maybe some madman screamed, “Allahu Akbar,” but Governor Polis is covering up for his Islamic voters.