OCALA, Fla. — Ocala police reported Friday that a gas leak is suspected in an explosion that rocked Jugo Cafe Tropical in Ocala.
The explosion resulted in the initial closure of both southbound and northbound lanes on Pine Avenue, according to police.
UPDATE: Thankfully, no one was inside and no injuries were reported. It appears to be related to a gas leak. All northbound lanes are open. Southbound lanes are still closed but should open soon. https://t.co/qO8GfkEt7Z
— Ocala Police (@ocalapd) June 24, 2023
According to Ocala Fire Rescue, a fire was reported just after 7:30 p.m. at the business located at 850 N. Pine Ave. As emergency personnel were dispatched to the scene, witnesses reported that the building exploded.
The initial investigation revealed that no one was inside the building at the time of the explosion, and there were no injuries. After the investigation, all northbound lanes on Pine Avenue were reopened.
The investigation into the explosion is ongoing.
This is a developing story and more information will be posted as it becomes available.