Seattle — Nine firefighters have been hurt in a massive natural gas explosion that leveled a building in Seattle’s Greenwood neighborhood.
Firefighters were called to a gas leak at a restaurant in the 200 block of North 85th Street near Greenwood Avenue North shortly after 1 a.m. Wednesday.
About 40 minutes after fire crews arrived, there was an explosion that was so strong, it blew out windows for two blocks. The restaurant where the gas leak originated was destroyed.
Nine firefighters were hurt in the blast. They are all in satisfactory condition at Harborview Medical Center.
Neighborhood residents living blocks away say they heard a loud boom.
"Around 1:45, I thought there was an earthquake happening and woke up, but it was really short. It just shook my whole building," said resident Dylan Romero.
Nearby buildings, including an apartment building, have been evacuated.
Firefighters are fighting hot spots from fires that were sparked by the blast.