Fuel tanks explode at Virgin Islands gas station

Authorities say fuel tanks at a US Virgin Islands gas station have exploded, resulting in a huge blast and fire but causing only two injuries.

Residential areas around the Gas Works station in the St. Thomas community of Bovoni were evacuated and traffic was diverted after the explosion on yesterday night.

Firefighters and other emergency personnel contained the blaze shortly before midnight, about three hours after the tanks ignited.

Government spokesman Jean Greaux said there was a flare-up early Sunday but it was quickly extinguished.

An all-clear has been issued, allowing residents to return home.

Authorities say a man who was at the gas station received burns to 18 per cent of his body. A woman also received injuries.
 

Investigators were scouring rubble today looking for the cause of the blast.