OCALA, FL – At approximately 6:19 p.m. on July 30th, Ocala Fire Rescue was dispatched to Classic Laundromat at 1423 NE 25th Ave., after a caller advised of an explosion.

Engines 1, 2, and 5, Ladder 3, Rescues 3 and 5, Tower 1, Battalion Chiefs 11 and 22, and a Safety Officer responded.

Rescue 3 arrived first, finding a single-level commercial structure, housing multiple shops, with smoke and flames coming from the area of the laundromat. Four individuals were injured in the incident, two of them required transportation to the hospital for further medical attention.

Medics assessed the patients and began administering care to those in need of transport. Firefighters made entry to control the fire impacting the rear of the structure, while rescue crews conducted search and rescue operations to ensure the building was clear of occupants.

Once the fire was extinguished inspectors assessed the building’s structural integrity, deeming the laundromat and seven adjacent shops inaccessible for regular operations.

The incident disrupted traffic along NE 25th Ave., with diversions set up at NE 14th Street while first responders managed the scene.

Ocala Fire Rescue, Ocala Police Department, Ocala Electric Utility, Ocala Water Resources, Ocala Building Department, Marion County Fire Rescue, and TECO Gas all responded to the scene.

The Deputy Chief and the Prevention Division were also on scene to coordinate efforts.

The State Fire Marshals office and Ocala Fire Rescue Inspectors are investigating the cause of the explosion.

UPDATE: Below is a list of facts which may be relevant after the explosion at Classic Laundromat, 1423 NE 25^th Ave., in Ocala, on July 30, 2024.

-The two people who were transported to the hospital following the explosion were released on Tuesday night.

-The latent part of the investigation is focused on confirming eyewitness reports and reviewing the building’s structural updates and historic permits to identify the incident’s cause.

-The laundromat’s dryers were powered by natural gas.

-The commercial structure housing Classic Laundromat was built in 1973. A laundromat has occupied the current establishment since.

-Video from cameras inside the laundromat were destroyed by the blast. However, footage from additional sources – including those linked below – are being secured.