Explosion that rocked Gray community originated at tire recycling center

 Knox County officials say several explosions heard in the Gray community Monday night occurred at a local tire recycling center.

Knox County Emergency Management Director Mike Mitchell said the cause of the explosions at Safeco on Ky. 233 remain under investigation by the state fire marshal.

Mitchell said the company extracts oil from old tires. As a result, there was approximately 300 to 350 gallons of oil at the plant when the explosion occurred.

West Knox firefighters were called to the scene about 9:20 p.m. and were on scene until after midnight.

No one was injured in the explosion or fire.