The Whiskey Creek co-op is engulfed in flames and Hwy. 4 is closed. (submitted/Levi Chezick)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

MAJOR FIRE

Whiskey Creek co-op gas station destroyed by afternoon blaze, Hwy. 4 re-opened

Jun 17, 2021 | 4:31 PM

NANAIMO — The Co-op gas station in Whiskey Creek was engulfed in flames after a vehicle caught fire

Witnesses say a van parked underneath the Co-op canopy at the gas pumps had heavy flames shooting out of it around 4 p.m on Thursday, June 17.

The fire quickly spread from the van to the entire structure, sending massive plumes of black smoke into the air.

RCMP Staff Sgt. Janelle Shoihet told NanaimoNewsNOW the vehicle was believed to be unoccupied at the time of the fire.

Emergency crews rushed to the scene to battle the blaze and there were no reports of any significant injuries.

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Hwy. 4 reopened around 8 p.m. to single-lane alternating traffic. Drive BC will provide a further update at 10 p.m.

Some stuck in traffic reported slow movement, however it was due to vehicles electing to turn around rather than wait out the delay.

A van caught fire while at the Co-Op gas station in Whiskey Creek, along Hwy. 4. Traffic is backed up as crews have closed the highway. (submitted photos/Courtney Andreeff)

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