The Associated Press
NORTH BEND, Wash. — An explosion and fire has destroyed or damaged several businesses east of Seattle.
Eastside Fire and Rescue spokesman Wes Collins says there have been two minor injuries. Firefighters are searching damaged buildings in North Bend, but they don’t expect anyone was inside at the time.
Collins tells KING the blast may have been caused by a natural gas leak at a pizza restaurant reportedly under renovation.
A dispatcher says there were multiple calls and automated alarms at 3:41 a.m. Friday.
The fire has reportedly burned a barber shop and damage is visible at a gas station, tire store and grocery. Debris is scattered over a wide area.
North Bend residents report being awakened by a blast that shook their homes.
North Bend is about 30 miles east of Seattle.