ORLANDO, Florida (Reuters) - Dozens of explosions rocked a propane tank servicing plant in central Florida, northwest of Orlando, late on Monday, injuring seven workers, at least three critically, and prompting the evacuation of nearby homes, authorities said.
No one outside the plant was hurt by the blasts, which began at about 10:30 p.m. local time at the Blue Rhino propane gas filling station in the town of Tavares, about 40 miles northwest of Orlando, said John Herrell, a Lake County sheriff's spokesman.
Fifteen workers out of the two dozen on duty were initially reported missing, but all subsequently were found unscathed, Herrell said. Two others were safe from the outset.
"Obviously it was a very, very dangerous scene" when firefighters arrived, Herrell said.
The chain reaction of explosions, ripping through 20-pound propane cylinders one after another - one tank every few seconds at its peak - unleashed tall columns of flames into the night sky. Homeowners several miles away reported feeling shocks from the explosions.
"We are hearing the booms here inside the restaurant," said Jessica McClure, 23, a waitress at a Denny's restaurant 7 miles north of the scene in the town of Eustis.
