Three people injured as firefighters battle explosion in Virginia

At least three people were injured after an explosion levelled a shopping centre in Harrisonburg, Virginia on Saturday morning.

The explosion and fire damaged several stores and sent a thick column of smoke from Miller Circle, roughly a mile from the James Madison University campus.

Two people were air-lifted from the scene in serious condition, according to Harrisonburg authorities. Firefighters responded to the three-alarm blaze after the explosion was reported after 8.30am.

“My team and I are closely monitoring the situation in Harrisonburg after a gas explosion this morning,” said Virginia Governor Ralph Northam.