ROGERS, Texas (AP) — Investigators are working to determine the cause of an explosion that occurred inside a car wash in Rogers, Texas. The blast took place on the same property as an Exxon gas station and a liquor store on Thursday, Jan. 18.
Bell County Fire Marshal Shane Geers stated that the explosion is believed to have originated from a storage unit inside the car wash. The cause of the explosion remains unknown, but investigators have ruled out all utility lines as the source.
This incident marks the second explosion in Rogers in less than a month, leaving residents and local business owners in shock. The impact of the explosion extended beyond the car wash, damaging the adjacent convenience store and liquor store.
Padam Thakurarhi, the owner of the affected buildings, expressed disbelief at the extent of the damage. He estimated that 50 to 60% of the products in the store were damaged and may need to be discarded, and the liquor store remains without power. The blast also disrupted business operations for days.
The explosion resulted in injuries to two teenagers, aged 13 and 16, who were reportedly washing a truck at the time of the incident. They were hospitalized with burns and lacerations but have since been discharged to recover at home.
As the community begins the process of recovery, Thakurarhi expressed hope for support from insurance and gratitude for the assistance of the City of Rogers staff in the cleanup efforts.
The Bell County fire marshal is collaborating with the state fire marshal to determine the cause of the explosion. This remains a developing situation, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.