By Patrick Wilson
The Virginian-Pilot
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Seven people were injured Sunday — two critically — when a flash fire started at an indoor shooting range in Virginia Beach, the Fire Department said.
The fire started at about 1:30 p.m. at A&P Arms’ Lynnhaven Shooting Range, 2664 Lishelle Place, said Battalion Chief Leon Dextradeur of the Virginia Beach Fire Department.
Seven of the 15 people in the range at the time were injured, he said.
The two people in critical condition suffered from burns to their faces and smoke inhalation, he said. They were taken to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. Two people with less serious injuries also were taken to Sentara Norfolk.
Two others were taken to Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital. Another victim did not want to go to a hospital, Dextradeur said.
There are three shooting ranges in the facility. There was an explosion at the end of Range 3, Dextradeur said, which started a flash fire that quickly spread toward people at the other end.
The cause has not been determined.
Authorities from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were at the scene helping with the investigation.
The fire was under control in about 30 minutes and was largely contained to Range 3, Dextradeur said.
More than 40 firefighters responded.
The manager of the shooting range declined to be interviewed.
Copyright 2008 Landmark Communications, Inc.
All Rights Reserved