Video has surfaced online showing the moments before a gas station in Whiskey Creek was destroyed after a camper van burst into flames on Thursday afternoon.
The video was taken by a passing vehicle and shows the van completely ablaze, and quickly spreading to the overhang above the fuel pumps at the Whiskey Creek Mid-Island Co-Op, located between Qualicum Beach and Port Alberni.
According to photos and video posted online, heavy black smoke could be seen for kilometres and witnesses reported hearing an explosion.
The attached convenience store was also destroyed by the fire.
Traffic along Highway 4, the Alberni Highway, was backed up for kilometres for several hours.
There are reports the fire began while the owner of the van was filling the vehicle up with gas. Just as other customers went to inform the owner of the van, the fuel burst into flames.
One person was transported to hospital.
Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Coombs-Hilliers, Errington, and Dashwood fire departments responded to the fire.
Video shows moments before the entire gas station erupted in flames: (Warning: video contains explicit language)
