Central Florida smoothie restaurant bursts into flames after explosion

OCALA, Fla. — First responders said an explosion caused severe damage to a restaurant in Ocala Friday evening.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

The Ocala Police Department said the fire happened around 7:30 p.m. at Jugo Cafe Tropical.

When fire crews arrived, the restaurant was covered in smoke and flames.

Officials said that due to the limited visibility and the compromised restaurant structure, crews deployed multiple hose lines and fought the fire from all sides.

Read: Roads blocked after explosion at Ocala restaurant, police say

Nobody was inside the restaurant at the time of the explosion, and no injuries were reported, Ocala police said.

The cause of the gas explosion is under investigation.

See a map of the scene below:

Read: Florida organization celebrates in Orlando after AAPI education bill passes

ExpandAutoplay

Image 1 of 7

Central Florida smoothie restaurant bursts into flames after explosion ( Ocala Fire Rescue)

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

©2023 Cox Media Group