• Kevin Smith

Leesburg Florida Team Responds to Propane Plant Explosion

Leesburg, FL (July 31, 2013) - At approximately 11:30pm on Monday, July 29, a massive explosion occurred at the Blue Rhino Propane Plant in Tavares Florida about 20 minutes northeast of Leesburg Florida. Twenty-four employees were working at the plant when the blast occurred.  Eight individuals were injured during the blast and transported to local hospitals in the area for treatment.

The Salvation Army, Leesburg Corps, responded to the scene that evening with an Emergency Disaster Services truck loaded with drinks, snacks and whatever else they could think to bring stated Lt. Matt Hedgren, recently appointed corps officer for Leesburg, Florida. 

“I heard what appeared to sound like thunder or even music from my living room last night, but knew it was something bad when I stepped into the street and saw the orange glow”.  Lt Hedgren said he jumped in his car and drove to a nearby lake and said he could see the fire from there, which was about twenty minutes away.

As a result of the explosion, 150 people were evacuated to a local emergency shelter at the First United Methodist Church in Tavares.  Lt. Hedgren met with families of the plant workers and provided Emotional and Spiritual Care.  In coordination with the American Red Cross, The Salvation Army, Leesburg Corps served 300 drinks and snacks.

The Salvation Army Leesburg Emergency Disaster Services team will continue to monitor the situation and provide services where necessary. 

For the latest emergency disaster services news follow EDS team on Twitter @SalArmyEDS.

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About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for 130 years in the United States. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. 82 cents of every dollar spent is used to carry out those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org.