Myrtle Beach, SC- The North Myrtle Beach Fire Department has determined that a gas leak caused the explosion and fire at a North Myrtle Beach gas station Sunday night.
A large fire resulted from an explosion and burned Ford’s Fuel Service, 1519 Old Highway 17 to the ground.
The explosion was a result of a liquid propane gas leak that was traced to a gas stove in the break room of the gas station, according to North Myrtle Beach Fire Capt. Les Williamson.
The gas stove was a 1970s model made before safety features that prevent continued gas flow if the pilot light goes out were required, according to a statement from the city.
The pilot light turned off on its own after the business closed on Saturday and by Sunday the gas had built up and exploded at about 9:33 p.m. after coming in contact with another gas appliance in the building that had a working pilot light, according to the statement.