Gas station explosion kills 4 in W.Va.

An explosion leveled a gas station near a ski resort Tuesday morning, killing at least four people and injuring others, authorities said.

Authorities suspect that a propane tank exploded at about 10:45 a.m. at the Flat Top Little General Store on Route 19.

Firefighters were responding to a report of a leak at the store when the explosion occurred, an emergency dispatcher said.

It's not clear whether any firefighters were injured but the dispatcher said there were reports of damage to the truck.

Five people were taken to Raleigh General Hospital for treatment, a spokeswoman said.

The explosion was felt at least a mile away at The Ski Shop.

"I thought we got struck by lightning. The whole building shook. The power went off," said Ben Monast, the shop's manager.