An explosion that destroyed a longtime rock and jewelry shop in downtown Eustis Thursday morning is under investigation after a natural gas leak and utility work preceded the blast, Fire Chief Michael Swanson said during an afternoon press conference.

The explosion occurred at 10:57 a.m., roughly an hour after firefighters first responded to a reported gas leak caused by nearby road and utility construction. Swanson said crews arrived around 9:30 a.m. and discovered a leaking natural gas line.

“There was some road work being done and utility work being done, and we discovered a gas leak, a natural gas line,” he says.

Utility crews from TECO People’s Gas crimped and contained the leaking line before the explosion occurred. Swanson emphasized that while the leak was outside, investigators

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