OCALA, FL – An unexpected explosion tore through an Ocala strip mall Tuesday night, leaving four people injured and causing extensive damage to the Classic Laundromat. Surveillance footage from the scene captured the dramatic moment when the blast occurred, sending debris flying and shaking the neighborhood.
The explosion, which happened as patrons were entering and exiting the laundromat, resulted in two individuals being hospitalized. Witnesses described the sound as a deafening boom, followed by chaos as the building’s back area was blown apart. “Everything just flew out,” one witness said, recalling the terrifying scene.
Ocala Fire Rescue responded swiftly, treating the injured and beginning an investigation. Early indications point to a gas explosion, with Tootie Langhorn, a friend of three victims, noting that her friend had smelled gas just before the incident. The explosion occurred when she started the washing machine, leading to the devastating blast.
Aerial views from news helicopters showed the laundromat’s interior in ruins, with significant structural damage visible. LaToya Walters, who works at the laundromat, expressed her shock and sorrow. “This place was my second home,” she said, adding that the gas-powered dryers had been functioning perfectly earlier that day.
The Florida Fire Marshal’s office is now investigating the cause of the explosion, looking into the building’s permits and any potential safety violations. Despite the severity of the incident, no fatalities were reported, and the two hospitalized individuals have since been released.
As the investigation continues, the community is left to ponder the causes and potential preventability of such a disaster. With safety concerns at the forefront, residents are eager for answers and reassurances that steps will be taken to prevent future incidents.