FALLS CHURCH, Va. (WUSA9) -- Three people were injured during an explosion at the Eden Center in Falls Church.
It happened around 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Princess Diamonds jewelry story. All three people were taken to the hospital with burns and cuts that are non-life-threatening.
Police were originally called there for a report of a shooting, but officers determined that there was no shooting. Instead, they say there was some type of explosion.
Officials say smoke was billowing from the front and rear entrances and small fires were extinguished quickly.
Nguyen Hoa owns a Vietnamese deli just 15 feet from the jewelry store. He was having coffee nearby when he heard the explosion. Parts of the ceiling started falling down so he grabbed his jacket and ran outside.
"I heard a boom. I was scared," Hoa said.
The Eden Center senior manager says one of the injured is the owner's daughter. People at a nearby high rise said they heard the explosion and felt the ground shake.
The jewelry store, which is right off the entrance, has been at the Eden Center for more than 20 years. The Eden Center is an Asian shopping center with approximately 120 stores. It's located on Wilson Boulevard at Seven Corners in Fall Church.
The investigation was led by Polera with the help of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and City of Falls Church Police Department. The cause of the explosion has been ruled accidental, caused by improper use of propane and oxygen.
Damages are estimated at $1 million.
