INVERNESS, FL (352today.com) – This is an updating story.
(UPDATE 2:02 p.m.) Witnesses have been saying that Storm Distillery owner David Mohr was seen stumbling out of the building just after the alarm was raised, and may have been one of the individuals transported from the scene.
(UPDATE 1:45 p.m.) The call came for an ambulance at approximately 11 a.m. Our correspondent on the scene reports that the structure is intact, but an unnamed law enforcement source reported that three individuals were transported via ambulance. A forensic team is on the site.
An explosion at Storm Distillery triggered a structure fire early Friday afternoon that shut down all roads leading into downtown Inverness, according to authorities and eyewitness reports.
Emergency crews responded to heavy smoke and flames in the area near the courthouse, where traffic quickly became gridlocked and officials urged the public to avoid downtown while firefighting efforts continued.
Nearby businesses also reported damage. Hometown Deli sustained visible impact, while Twisted Moon was affected by water used in efforts to contain the blaze.
Unconfirmed reports circulating on social media suggested as many as two people may have been inside the distillery at the time of the explosion, though officials had not yet confirmed any injuries or the number of occupants.
The cause of the explosion remains under investigation.