Following an explosion at fast food restaurant Burger King in New Kingston on Wednesday, at least six employees are currently in hospital and being treated for their injuries.
Reports state that the explosion occurred at around 11 a.m. at the restaurant, which is located on Knutsford Boulevard. In footage recorded this morning, the aftermath of the blast can be seen, with the video showing what appears to be an injured employee lying on the sidewalk in front of the restaurant.
While the extent of the damage in the building is not known, the glass windows at the front of the restaurant were shattered during the explosion, with glass shards littering the sidewalk. First responders, including members of the fire department, can be seen at the scene of the incident.
According to the bystander who recorded the video, the restaurant was recently renovated. Of the six Burger King employees who were injured in today’s explosion, at least four are said to be in serious condition.
While a thorough investigation has not yet been completed to determine the cause of the explosion, preliminary reports suggest that it may have been caused by a gas leak.
According to the Commissioner of the Jamaica Fire Brigade, Stewart Beckford, the workers called the restaurant’s gas supplier after discovering that there was a leak. A defective regulator was later changed by the supplier and the staff was given the green light to resume work.
Watch the interview with Commissioner Beckford below.
