Police: Explosion and fire at Virginia gas station leaves three people dead

Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause and origin of the explosion.

In this Friday, May 10, 2019 image taken from video provided by the Virginia State Police and CBS 6 WTVR-TV a gas station is seen after an explosion in Buena Vista, Va.

BUENA VISTA, Va. – Police have confirmed three people were killed in Friday’s explosion and fire at a Virginia gas station.

The remains of the dead have been taken to the Office of the Medical Examiner in Roanoke for examination, autopsy and positive identification, Virginia State Police said.

Two bodies were found Friday at the South River Market in Rockbridge County, a few miles north of Buena Vista. Police said the number of dead rose to three Saturday. Previously, authorities said four people were injured.

Confirming the identities of the victims could take several days.

At approximately 9:30 a.m. on Friday morning, the Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office and Rockbridge County Fire-Rescue & Emergency Management responded to reports of an explosion at the South River Market & Gas Station at the intersection of Old Buena Vista Road and South River Road.

Four adults were taken from the scene to Carilion Stonewall Jackson Hospital in Lexington for treatment, police said.

The Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s Salem Field Office is conducting an investigation into the cause and origin of the explosion. Police said the incident does not appear suspicious in nature.

However, the incident remains an active scene.

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