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"All utility lines ruled out" | Bell County Fire Marshal continues investigation into explosion at car wash in Rogers

According to authorities, the two victims are recovering at home after being released from the hospital.

ROGERS, Texas — The investigation continues into what caused an explosion inside a car wash in Rogers on Thursday, Jan. 18.

Bell County Fire Marshal Shane Geers said the explosion took place on the same property as an Exxon gas station, a car wash and the Rogers Liquor store located on 120 W Mesquite Ave at about 8:49 p.m.

According to Geers, their investigation leads them to believe the explosion came from a storage unit inside the car wash. The cause remains unknown, but the department has ruled out all utility lines.

Residents and local business owners are in disbelief after the incident because it is the second explosion that has happened in Rogers in less than a month.

"I am shocked you know," said Padam Thakurarhi, who owns the buildings that were damaged.

The explosions impact was felt beyond the walls of the car wash. It also damaged the convenience store and liquor store it was sandwiched in between.

"You can see the damage, it's a mess," Thakurarhi said as he was showing 6 News the extensive amount of damage.

He believes around 50 to 60 percent of his product in the store is damaged and more likely has to be thrown away. Thakurarhi also doesn't have power in the liquor store.

"Interrupted the business for two days now, like I don't know how many days I'll have to close down this," Thakurarhi added. 

The explosion also injured two teenagers, a 13 and 16 year old, who are reportedly cousins. A relative told 6 News they were just washing a truck when the explosion happened.

The pair was sent to the hospital with burns and lacerations. They are now back at home recovering and resting.

Now everyone is picking up the pieces, including Thakurarhi who says he is hoping insurance is a help. He also gave lots of thanks to City of Rogers staff.

"They helped me clean up a lot, so we have to clean this up tomorrow," he added.

The Bell County fire marshal is working alongside the state fire marshal to determine the cause of this incident.

This is a developing story, stick with 6 News for more updates.

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