Firefighters responded to an explosion in a silo at the D.A.B. Constructors Inc. asphalt plant in Leesburg, FL early Thursday morning, local news organizations reported. Officials said an equipment failure likely lead to the incident. 

Leesburg Deputy Fire Chief Joe Mera told the Leesburg Daily Commercial that the explosion occurred at about 6 a.m. as a worker was starting up equipment at the plant. The worker was reportedly received minor injuries in the blast and was later treated at the scene. 

“It is apparent that a valve malfunctioned on one of their silo-hoppers, pressure built and an explosion resulted,” a Facebook post from the Leesburg Police Department said.

The silo was holding liquid asphalt at the time of the blast. HAZMAT personnel managed to turn off the valve, coverage by ClickOrlando.com said, stopping the substance from leaking beyond the facility’s property. 

People living within a few miles of the plant reported hearing and feeling the explosion when interviewed by several area news outlets. 

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