Propane explosions at the Blue Rhino LP gas plant rocked the Tavares area on Monday night, injuring eight people. A massive emergency response was called to the plant, which is located at the 300 block of County Road 448, after multiple injuries were reported.
All employees on staff at the time of the explosion were accounted for by 2 a.m., Lake County spokesman John Herrell said. “Plant management is comfortable saying they are accounted for,” Herrell said.
As of 11:15 a.m., authorities said one of the large 30,000 pound propane tanks is leaking due to minor damage sustained when one of the small tanks struck it.
Crews are putting water on the tank and have not ordered any evacuations, but have shut down County Road 448 in front of the plant as a precaution.
Members of the media were advised to move away from the area. Police said if the middle tank were to blow up it could do damage for five mile, but don’t believe that to be a possibility.