Crab Orchard was rocked by what sounded like an explosion to many at around 7 a.m. this morning.  Witnesses say they heard a large boom and a plume of smoke or dust come from the LHoist North America limestone mine and that the blast appeared to blow metal roofing and siding off a nearby building.

Sources tell 1057News.com that no one was injured and that the partial collapse of a tunnel inside the mine is believed to have caused the blast.  1057 News called the plant and the receptionist indicated there was nothing going on there.  Later, after confirming the blast with area residents, a call requesting to speak to the Plant Manager went unreturned.    A check with the Cumberland County Fire Department indicated they were not dispatched to the scene.  LHoist is believed to have its own Emergency Response Crew at the Mine.