x
Breaking News
More () »

Building explodes at strip mall in Arizona, injuring 4 people

The Chandler Police Department said there's currently no danger to the public after a printing shop exploded Thursday morning near Ray and Rural roads.

CHANDLER, Ariz. — Four people have been injured after a Chandler building exploded Thursday morning, causing its roof to completely collapse.

The Chandler Fire Department responded to a fire at Platinum Printing near the 4900 block of West Ray Road, where they assessed the north part of the parking lot for a possible gas leak.

Videos show shards of glass and pieces of debris spewing out of Platinum Printing at about 9:30 a.m., resulting in several people running out of the shop and into the parking lot. 

Authorities evacuated 15 nearby businesses and at least 20 homes located around the Rural and Ray roads intersection.  

Investigators are still trying to figure out what caused the shop to explode, but they currently don't believe the destruction was done intentionally. 

The Chandler Police Department is not investigating the incident as a criminal matter and insisted there's no immediate danger to the public at this time. 

"We are not looking for a suspect," said Chandler Police Sgt. Jason McClimans. 

An underground gas leak was detected after the explosion, yet it's not clear whether that caused the fire. The leak has since been mitigated and many residents have been told they can return to their homes. 

"It is safe to be around this area," said Chandler Fire Battalion Chief Keith Welch.

The parking lot outside Platinum Printing is expected to be closed off to the public for the next few days.

The evacuations closed down a nearby preschool, which forced many parents to come and get their children. The Chandler Sunset Library, located near the site of the explosion, was temporarily closed as well.

The four burn victims included two people inside Platinum Printing, one of whom was a customer. Another victim was in an adjacent business when the explosion occurred.  

Dr. Kevin Foster, director of the Arizona Burn Center at Valleywise Health, said the four victims sustained "propane flash burns" and may have to be hospitalized for a few days to treat second-degree burns. 

Two of the patients are in the center's intensive care unit, Dr. Foster added, and it's unclear what type of long-term treatment they may need in the days ahead. 

All the patients are lucky to be alive, Dr. Foster said, based on the level of destruction seen at the explosion site. 

The identities of the victims weren't immediately released.  

A full recording of Dr. Foster's remarks is in the video below:

Watch dashcam footage below -- moments before the explosion took place.

The Chandler Police Department offered an update into its investigation Thursday afternoon. 

Please check back with 12 News as we continue to monitor this developing story.

12 News on YouTube

Before You Leave, Check This Out