EUSTIS, Fla. – Authorities are diligently investigating a devastating explosion that tore through a jewelry store on South Eustis Street, leaving one person critically injured and sending debris flying across the neighborhood. The exact cause of the explosion is still under investigation.
Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene, where they found one individual with critical injuries who was subsequently airlifted to a nearby hospital, according to city officials.
Across the street from the jewelry store, Deborah Flaherty, director of the Open Door Homeless Service Program, recounted the event with shock. “We were in the front room organizing clothes for the homeless when we heard a loud boom,” she shared, noting the impact on nearby businesses and their occupants.
Flaherty expressed relief that no lives were lost in the incident. “We saw a woman emerging from the building with her dog, and thankfully, the ambulance was right there to assist,” she added.
Eyewitnesses described the aftermath, with pieces of glass and metal scattered throughout the area. Gene Ryals, a seasoned contractor specializing in gas lines, highlighted the dangers associated with underground utilities. “It serves as a wake-up call about what we’re working with. There are gas lines beneath us; if one explodes, it’s catastrophic,” Ryals remarked.
City officials noted that the jewelry store did not have active gas service, relying mainly on electrical systems. Meanwhile, utility crews had been addressing a reported gas leak nearby and had managed to isolate it just before the explosion. As a safety measure, authorities advised residents and businesses in the vicinity to evacuate, although this was not a mandatory requirement for everyone.
Chief Mike Swanson of the Eustis Fire Department issued a statement saying, “Our crews responded quickly to bring the scene under control,” and thanked partnering agencies for their assistance.
TECO Peoples Gas provided a statement to News 6 saying the incident is under investigation and that the company is cooperating with local fire department officials, who are leading the probe.
Florida’s State Fire Marshal’s Office has taken the lead on the investigation into the cause of the explosion.
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