ROANOKE, VA — October 21, 2025 — Two people were rushed to the hospital with critical injuries after a food truck exploded early Tuesday morning in the 700 block of 13th Street SW, according to an official statement from Roanoke Fire-EMS.
Explosion Reported Just After 7:30 A.M.
At 7:34 a.m., the city’s E-911 Center received multiple calls about a possible explosion. A structure-fire response was immediately dispatched, and units from Ladder 7, Battalion Chief 1, Rescue 7, and Medic 8 responded.
Fire crews arriving on scene found a food truck heavily damaged from what appeared to be an explosion. Two victims were already outside the trailer when the first team arrived.
Firefighters rendered immediate medical care, extinguished hot spots inside the truck, and both patients were transported to a nearby hospital with critical burn injuries.
Cause Appears Accidental, Under Investigation
The Roanoke Fire Marshal’s Office has launched an investigation to determine the exact cause. Early findings indicate that the blast was accidental in nature, though the specific trigger remains under review.
Officials said additional updates will be released as the investigation continues.
Neighbors Say Blast Shook Nearby Homes
Before official confirmation, several nearby residents took to Facebook to describe what they saw and heard.
“It was a huge bang that rattled the entire home!”
Multiple commenters speculated that a propane leak may have caused the explosion, while others said they heard two people had been severely burned.
Although social-media posts spread rapidly with varying details, the Fire Marshal’s Office has not yet confirmed any cause beyond the preliminary “accidental” classification.
Community Offers Prayers and Support
Hundreds of community members posted prayers and messages of concern for the victims and their families.
“Prayers for all involved,” one comment read. Another urged others to “take time to pray for these individuals… burns are severe and intensely painful.”
Summary
- Time of call: 7:34 a.m. Tuesday
- Location: 700 block 13th Street SW, Roanoke
- Responding Units: Ladder 7, Battalion Chief 1, Rescue 7, Medic 8
- Injuries: Two patients in critical condition
- Cause: Preliminary investigation shows accidental origin
- Investigation: Ongoing by Roanoke Fire Marshal’s Office