EUSTIS, Fla. – A devastating explosion tore through a jewelry store on South Eustis Street, leaving one person critically injured and sending debris flying throughout the area, officials confirmed as they continued their investigation. The exact cause of the explosion remains a mystery.

Emergency responders swiftly arrived at the scene, and the critically injured individual was transported by air to a nearby hospital, according to city authorities.

Deborah Flaherty, who oversees the Open Door Homeless Service Program situated just across from the affected store, described the incident’s impact on the local community. “We were just organizing clothes for the homeless when a deafening boom resonated through the area,” she recounted.

Flaherty expressed relief that the incident did not result in any deaths. “We witnessed a woman emerging from the building, accompanied by her dog, looking dazed, as an ambulance arrived promptly,” she added.

[BELOW: Eustis jewelry store explosion and fire leave 1 person hurt]

Witnesses described debris — including glass and metal — falling all over the block. Gene Ryals, a contractor with more than 20 years of experience working with gas lines, said the explosion underscored the hazard posed by underground utilities. “It kind of wakes you up a little bit, to know what you are dealing with. There are gas lines beneath us right now; if there is an explosion, we’re done,” Ryals said.

Officials said the jewelry store itself did not have active gas service and that the interior of the building was primarily electrical. At the same time, utility crews were working to address a reported gas leak in the area and had just isolated that leak before the blast, city representatives said. Officials asked nearby residents and businesses to evacuate as a precaution, though the order was not mandatory for everyone.

Chief Mike Swanson of the Eustis Fire Department issued a statement saying, “Our crews responded quickly to bring the scene under control,” and thanked partnering agencies for their assistance.

TECO Peoples Gas provided a statement to News 6 saying the incident is under investigation and that the company is cooperating with local fire department officials, who are leading the probe.

Florida’s State Fire Marshal’s Office has taken the lead on the investigation into the cause of the explosion.