Roof collapses at South Jersey gas station Friday

The roof at a South Jersey gas station collapsed on Friday evening.

NBC10 crews arrived to the Sunoco located on the 2000 block of Grand Central Avenue in Lavallette in Ocean County around 6 p.m. on Dec. 19 to see extensive damage at the gas pumps.

First responders were on scene as it appeared as though the entire roof above the pumps fell straight down.

According to the Assistant Fire Chief for the Lavallete Fire Department, Vincent Craparotta, wind gusts had reached 50 miles per hour which may be what led to the collapse.

Assistant Chief Craparotta explained that the structure was free standing and not connected to the building next to it.

The columns were rusted on the 40 year old structure and it leaned over in the high winds, Craparotta explained.

The fuel and electricity has been shut off so it is not a current hazard to the community.

One worker was at the station when the collapse happened but he was not hurt.

No word yet on if anyone was hurt or what caused the collapse to happen.

This is a developing story. Check back here for updates.