A major gas explosion occurred at a Plantation Strip Mall in Florida on Saturday morning. The LA Fitness center at The Fountains Shopping Mall was damaged, and a portion of the strip mall next to it completely destroyed. Authorities said that at least 15 to 20 people were injured in the blast, which witnesses said may have come from a nearby vacant pizza restaurant.
First responders sifted through the rubble of the Plantation Strip mall, and found ruptured gas lines. They stated that a gas generator possibly exploded at the pizza restaurant which has been closed down for months, but would not confirm that was the cause.
“There was a huge flash of light … it lit up the whole sky. And it was loud … this surpassed fireworks … your ears were ringing…It just looks like an apocalypse.” Witness to WPLG
ABC
During the Fire Department press statement, they said that the report came in at 11:28 a.m. of an explosion at or near LA Fitness at The Fountains strip mall. They found two people in serious condition, both were transported to Broward County Trauma Center; the others were transported locally.
Plantation Police advised: “All stores and businesses in the area of the Fountains Plaza and the Plantation Marketplace plaza near LA Fitness will be shut down until further notice until Fire Personnel can determine that it is safe to return. Please do not come into this area if possible.”
20 injured in a gas explosion in South Florida city of Plantation #Florida #Plantation. #PlazaMarket https://t.co/KwcyddDXCW
— The Pigeon Express – TPE (@PigeonExpress_) July 6, 2019
Some photos from the scene in Plantation after explosion pic.twitter.com/j2KRp98Xpl
— Joel Franco (@OfficialJoelF) July 6, 2019
Breaking: Injuries reported after a gas explosion at The Fountains Shopping Center in Plantation, Florida. pic.twitter.com/frwFq2XS64
— Alphidius ?????? (@AlfidioValera) July 6, 2019
Aftermath of a gas explosion ? in Plantation, Florida @LAFitness gym. Eye witnesses are saying explosion seem to have originated from vacant restaurant nearby. #LaFitness #Florida #Explosion pic.twitter.com/JTXcB99pxb
— Javheer (@javheer) July 6, 2019
Breaking: Injuries reported after a gas explosion at The Fountains Shopping Center in Plantation, Florida. pic.twitter.com/frwFq2XS64
— Alphidius ?????? (@AlfidioValera) July 6, 2019
Featured Photo: screenshot via ABC Drone footage