August 10, 2004

FRISCO - Authorities are searching for clues, trying to determine what caused an explosion at a local gas station.

The explosion happened around 6 p.m. at the Loaf-N-Jug. Three men and one woman were taken to University Hospital in Denver to be treated for burns. An employee of the gas station, was listed in critical condition.

A person with less serious injuries was treated at Summit Medical Center and was expected to be sent home. A woman and her child were treated for minor injuries at Vail Valley Medical Center.

The explosion damaged the canopy over the pumps and damaged or destroyed three vehicles.

Witnesses said there was a bunch of smoke, followed a few seconds later by a big explosion.

"We heard an explosion, then flames just shut up," said Wayne Sharrar. He said the Loaf-N-Jug, which sits at the corner of Main and Second streets, is probably the busiest station in town.

Daniel Maciceas' owns one of the damaged vehicles. He said three technicians were working on one of the pumps just before the explosion and they pulled out something that looked like a filter. "As soon as he pulled (it) out, gas went all over the place," said Maciceas.

The local fire department is still investigating the official cause.