Utah strip mall explodes in massive blast after vehicle crash

An eyewitness video captured the dramatic moment when a large explosion tore through a strip mall in Utah on Saturday (July 5) night, triggering authorities to issue evacuation alerts to residents in the area.

The point-of-view footage taken from inside a moving vehicle showed smoke rising from behind some buildings in Herriman city when suddenly a massive blast blew up the properties, sending a huge fireball of debris up in the air.

Reuters was able to confirm the location of the video from the building exteriors, business signages, road layout, trees, and streetlights seen in the video matched file and satellite imagery of the area. Reuters was able to confirm the date of the video from the source, original file metadata, and statement released by local authorities.

Herriman police confirmed in a statement on social media that a vehicle crash caused an explosion and structure fire in the area.

Following the incident, residents on Terra Cruz Lane and Parasol Lane were advised to evacuate due to concerns of a gas leak, police said. There was no immediate report of injuries from the authorities.