Vancouver: Explosion rocks Broadway

Explosion rocks BroadwayStorefronts blown out in 2:30 a.m. explosion and fire at Broadway and HeatherVancouver SunPublished: Wednesday, February 13, 2008

VANCOUVER - Police and fire crews are investigating an overnight explosion and fire in the 600-block West Broadway in Vancouver that blew out the storefronts of several businesses.

The force of the blast was enough to damage a bus stop in front of the stores and break the glass windows of a London Drugs across the street. A Starbucks and a Taco Del Mar restaurant were damaged in the blast.

Residents in the area say they were awakened by the noise at around 2:30 a.m.So far, there have been no reports of injuries.

 At least five business were damaged by the explosion and shattered glass was spread for about half a block.

Police on the scene said they are treating the explosion as suspicious, but fire investigators are also investigating the possibility it could have been a gas explosion.

Police say West Broadway will be closed between Ash and Willow Streets for the remainder of the morning, and all cars and buses are being rerouted around the scene.

Send us your story or pictures if you saw or heard anything at the scene of the explosion.