Virginia Gas Station Explosion: Multiple Fatalities, Injuries

Four people are dead, three are injured and others are still missing after an explosion at the South River Market in Buena Vista, Virginia on May 10.  The explosion blew the roof off the station and shot an 80-foot tower of flames into the sky, according to witness accounts in various news reports.

The blast, which occurred around 9:50 a.m., made a thunderous boom as it ripped apart the gas station located on Old Buena Vista Road and engulfed what remained in flames.  With no fire hydrants in the area, fire crews drafted water from a nearby river to douse the fire.

Three people were pronounced dead at the scene. Ambulances transported four people who suffered explosion injuries to Carilion Stonewall Jackson Hospital in Lexington.  One of them, Roger Lee Roberts, 69, of Buena Vista, was transferred to VCU Medical Center where he later succumbed to his injuries. Roberts was the owner of the Rockbridge County gas station that was a hub of community life in the small town. He is remembered as a kind, generous man, neighbors told the Roanoke Times. Mourners have placed wreaths and flags on the fence that surround the scene.

The names of the others who were injured or killed have not been released.

Fire officials are still investigating the cause of the explosion.

The explosion lawyers at Pritzker Hageman represent people who have been injured in explosions and families who have suffered the wrongful death of a loved one in an explosion. To contact them for a free consultation, call 1 (888) 377-8900. Or, send a text to 612-261-0856, You can also use the contact form below.

UPDATED: 5/14/19 to include information about the number of those who were injured and died.