Explosion, fire in Shelbyville prompt evacuation
SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – A worker has been seriously injured in a fire at Southern Energy Co. in Shelbyville that prompted evacuation of a nearby jail workhouse and animal shelter.
Police Chief Austin Swing said law enforcement evacuated a half-mile radius around the burning building Monday morning. He said there were reports that oil tanks at the facility exploded around 10:30 a.m.
Vanderbilt University Medical Center confirmed that one person was brought to the hospital by LifeFlight, but the hospital did not release his condition.
Tennessee Emergency Management Agency spokesman Jeremy Heidt said most of the trusties at the workhouse were out on work detail when the fire occurred.
Animal control workers from neighboring Rutherford County were called in to help evacuate the Bedford County animal shelter.
