Several roads remain closed in downtown Durham as crews work through the rubble left in the aftermath of the deadly explosion on Wednesday.

Durham Fire officials said Thursday morning that streets around the area of the explosion remain closed: Duke Street from Chapel Hill Street to Fernway Avenue, Main Street from Gregson Street to Fuller Street and Morgan Street from Gregson to Fuller.

The owner of the Kaffeinate coffee shop, 61-year-old Kong Lee was killed in the explosion, which was triggered by a gas leak. The explosion rocked downtown Durham, causing damage to buildings up to several blocks away.

In addition to the one fatality, 17 individuals were injured, including one Durham firefighter who underwent surgery on Wednesday. One patient was transported to the Jaycee Burn Center at UNC.

The Durham School of the Arts property is adjacent to the block where the explosion occurred. The school is closed Thursday as officials are inspecting the structural integrity of the building. Students were dismissed early Wednesday, but officials said there were no injuries reported among students or staff.

Emergency officials ask that motorists avoid the area while crews are combing through the rubble.

Photo via Alert Durham

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