Early this morning, a series of explosions combusted at a propane filling tank in Central Florida approximately 40 miles north of Orlando. There are none reported deceased at the Blue Rhino plant in Tavares, FL though there are as many as nine reported injured. The cause of the blasts have yet to be determined though the primary cause is thought to be equipment failure and human error.
The first explosion occurred at around 11pm ET late on Monday night and then again at 12:30am. The Los Angeles Times reports that 24 workers were on the job for the night shift, 15 of whom were initially unaccounted for before turning up. Seven workers were transported to hospitals while two were able to drive themselves to attain medical help.
Just before 7am, Tavares, FL Fire Chief Richard Keith told reporters on the scene that, “we don’t think there was any act of sabotage or anything like that,” according to the Orlando Sentinel.
It’s been noted that some 53,000 20-gallon propane tanks were on site during the explosions, most of which ignited while the three 90,000 gallon bulk tanks were untouched. The fire was so intense that firefighters were forced to let it burn itself out.
Flames were under control by 1am as at least 200 fire rescue, EMS, and law enforcement officers from various agencies had responded to the scene.
It’s important to note that while the authorities do believe the explosions were caused by equipment failure and human error at this time, there’s been no confirmation of such as the various on-scene agencies continue to investigate all possible causes.
The plant explosion is reminiscent of similar blasts back in June at a Williams Olefins plant near New Orleans, LA, which produced approximately 1.3 billion pounds of ethylene and 90 million pounds of polymer-grade propylene each year. None were killed.
A more devastating explosion in April claimed the lives of at least 15 people while injuring over 160 in Waco, TX at a West Fertilizer Company plant.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned to BostInno for more information as we’ll be sure to keep you updated as details continue to be made publicly available.
