A car repair business is in ruins after an explosion and fire. Five employees escaped just before the shop went up in flames.

Fire fighters were called to B&C Garage on Stanford Street in Crab Orchard around 11 Friday morning.

"When we arrived, the shop was fully involved, smoke and fire was coming out of both bays," said Crab Orchard Fire Chief Larry Owsley.

Employees said they were removing a gas tank from a van they were working when a spark ignited a fire, causing an explosion.

"We barely got out," said Valarie Blankenship. "It's so sad, and now we don't have jobs."

B&C Garage that opened for business in November is a total loss according to fire officials.

"I just don't know what I'm going to do now," said Blankenship.

The owner of the building tells NEWSFIRST she also recently lost her husband. She says, they do have insurance.