Massive explosions rock Florida propane plant

[Syrian Lion]

Massive explosions rock Florida propane plant
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A series of gas explosions at a chemical plant in Lake County, Florida has injured multiple people and forced the evacuation of residents miles away. Witnesses said vibrations from the high blasts could be felt several towns over.

The series of explosions began just before 11:00 pm local time, according to the Orlando Sentinel, with witnesses comparing the sound to fireworks or loud gunfire.

A night shift crew was at the plant when the explosions started, according to Lt. John Herrell, a Lake County Sheriff's Office spokesman. The crew members are feared dead.

Emergency responders have yet to determine how many people were hurt. At least six ambulances and three helicopters are reportedly evacuating patients from the disaster site.

At least 10 people are missing following the explosions, police said.

The massive blaze continues to rage on at the facility. Live footage being broadcast by WESH Orlando shows about a dozen trailers storing LP tanks have been engulfed by the inferno.

A one-mile evacuation zone surrounding the Blue Rhino plant was put into effect.

“I heard a loud bomb sound,” said Lisa Garner, who lives nearby in the Tavares subdivision of Lakeside. “I thought somebody ran into my house.”

The blasts reportedly went on for 40 minutes and may have been sparked by someone filling their own propane tank when a leak ignited, although police told the Orlando Sentinel that information is unconfirmed.

Blue Rhino, the tank-exchange business, where the explosions took place, moved to Tavares approximately seven years ago. The company is headquartered in North Carolina. County road 448 was closed roughly three miles east.

Massive explosions rock Florida propane plant ? RT USA

 

[BeyondHeretic]

Oooops , someone in the plant was reading facebook

 

[Argus Panoptes]

Blue Rhino sells pre-filled LPG tanks mostly used for grilling.

 

[Amaa'n]

Looks like lack of following hse policies perhaps?

 

[Argus Panoptes]

Looks like lack of following hse policies perhaps?

LPG leaks produce a volatile mixture. All it take is one spark. We have these tragedies in residential areas where they fill smaller cylinders from bigger ones:

Public safety: City govt issues guidelines for CNG, LPG dealers – The Express Tribune

 

[Amaa'n]

yes and why would there be a leak? was there a problem with valve?
all over the world they are taking HSE very very serious, but here in Pakistan, it has been completely ignored, just look at fire at LDA, CNG cylinders blast, fire at factories and lack of fire exits

LPG leaks produce a volatile mixture. All it take is one spark. We have these tragedies in residential areas where they fill smaller cylinders from bigger ones:

Public safety: City govt issues guidelines for CNG, LPG dealers – The Express Tribune

 

[Argus Panoptes]

yes and why would there be a leak? was there a problem with valve?
all over the world they are taking HSE very very serious, but here in Pakistan, it has been completely ignored, just look at fire at LDA, CNG cylinders blast, fire at factories and lack of fire exits

The initial reports state "equipment failure, coupled with human error" as a cause of the blast. The final report will have more details.