Explosion near convenience store injures 9 Seattle firefighters

SEATTLE, March 9 (UPI) -- At least nine firefighters were injured early Wednesday in a large explosion near a Quik Stop convenience store in Seattle's Greenwood neighborhood.

The cause of the explosion was not known but a gas leak was suspected. An investigation has been launched.

Firefighters were reportedly on-scene to inspect a potential gas leak before the blast occurred.

The Seattle Fire Department said eight firefirghters and a battalion chief were transported to Harborview Medical Center with undisclosed injuries.