3 injured after building explosion in Virginia

An explosion rocked Harrisonburg, Va., on Saturday morning.

Three people have been injured in an explosion in a commercial area on South Main Street, city spokesman Mike Parks told reporters. Two of the victims were taken to the hospital in serious condition, while a third was taken with minor injuries. 

The victim who sustained only minor injuries has been confirmed as a student at James Madison University, according to a statement by the school. Two other students were at the scene, but were treated and released immediately. 

Harrisonburg police received the first reports at 8:30 a.m., a department spokesperson told Fox News.

The cause of the explosion is not yet known, but police and ambulances were on the scene investigating as of late Saturday morning. Harrisonburg Fire Chief Matt Tobia said that an investigation could take days to determine the cause. 

Gov. Ralph Northam tweeted that he has deployed state emergency personnel, and called the incident a "gas explosion." 

The fire and damage have so far been contained to the initial shopping area, which included a barbershop, vape store, music store and grocery store. Four hours after the explosion, fire crew continue to fight the flames, but the fire is contained. 

Footage from the scene, as seen in tweets, showed a thick column of smoke that could be witnessed from the surrounding area. 

Social media reactions indicated that the initial explosion was felt possibly miles away.

Residents as far as Dayton, some 5 miles away, and Weyers Cave, about 13 miles away, claimed to have felt or heard the explosion, according to WHSV News.  

This is a developing story; check back for updates.