A smoothie restaurant in Florida exploded Friday from what appears to be a gas leak, destroying the building.
According to officials, at approximately 7:32 p.m., Ocala Fire Rescue’s Engines 1, 3, and 5, Rescues 1 and 3, Tower 1, and Battalion Chief 11 responded to reports of a structure fire at Jugo Cafe Tropical, 850 N Pine Ave in Ocala.
As units made their way to the scene, passersby reported that the structure exploded.
Units arrived within two minutes to find a commercial structure covered in smoke and flames.
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Officials say Engine 1 secured the gas line while Engine 3 began attacking the flames.
“Due to the limited visibility and compromised structural integrity, crews initiated a defensive attack – deploying multiple hose lines and fighting the fire from all sides,” said OFR.
Once the fire was knocked down, crews completed a primary search to ensure the building was vacant.
No injuries were reported and the cause of the gas explosion is under investigation.
The Ocala Police Department, Ocala Electric Utilities, the Ocala Building Department, Marion County Fire Rescue, and TECO Gas Company also responded.
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