http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=winWmOmbUAo
Propane containers explode at Blue Rhino plant in Tavares, Florida with a propane tank apparently going ballistic at about 0:09 elapsed time and following.
Tavares Fire Department responded to the first explosions and fire about 11:00 p.m. Monday at Blue Rhino gas plant, 300 County Road 448. Continuous explosion — possibly as many as 100 — occurred for more than 30 minutes. Explosions resumed at about 12:30 a.m. Tuesday semi-trailers that were loaded with pallets of propane tanks.
Early reports relayed that there were no fatalities, there were seven injuries, that all employees were accounted for, and evacuations were ordered for residents within one mile of the gas plant. Three men — in critical condition from burns — were airlifted from the scene to Orlando Regional Medical Center.
Firefighters were making progress at the scene at about 2:00 a.m. and the fire appeared to be contained or declared under control at about 2:30 a.m.
Ferrellgas, the second largest propane distributor in the United States, merged with Blue Rhino in 2004. According to the company website, Blue Rhino, established in 1994 in North Carolina, is the #1 propane tank exchange brand, and is also a leading designer and marketer of barbecue grills, outdoor heaters, mosquito traps, and other outdoor appliances.
Ferrell Gas was established as the A.C. Ferrell Butane Gas Company in 1939 in Atchison, Kansas.
Tavares is about 28 miles west of Sanford, Florida; and about 25 miles north-northwest of Disney World.
John Harrell, a spokesman for the Lake County Sheriff’s office, said all Blue Rhino employees have been accounted for after several explosions at the Tavares plant.
Highway view of explosions and fire at Blue Rhino gas plant in Tavares, Florida.
Video: A propane-factory fire in Tavares, Florida.
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