Federal investigators are looking into the explosion and fire that destroyed Zimmy’s Tavern in Union.

The National Transportation Safety Board says it is investigating what it describes as a natural gas-fueled explosion and fire. The fire broke out early Tuesday and destroyed the tavern, which had been in business for 80 years.

Nearby residents were evacuated because of a gas leak, and more than 40 customers in the Union area were left without natural gas service.

One Zimmy’s employee was injured. Co-workers say the tavern’s head chef suffered burns and is recovering at a Kalamazoo hospital.

Despite the destruction, an employee says the owner plans to rebuild.