Seven people were injured, including one critically, and one person remains unaccounted for in a gas explosion in downtown Youngstown, Ohio, Tuesday, officials said.
The explosion occurred near Central Square, according to police, who urged people to avoid the area.
Smoke fills the air after an explosion in Youngstown, Ohio, on May 28, 2024.
Ron Flaviano/Bliss360 Marketing
“Emergency services are on the scene, and the situation is being actively managed,” the Youngstown Police Department said in a post on Facebook Tuesday evening.
One person remains unaccounted for following the natural gas explosion, Youngstown Fire Chief Barry Finley told reporters.
Mercy Health said Tuesday evening it is treating seven people who were injured in the incident, including one person in critical condition.
In this screen grab from a video, first responders work at the scene of an explosion in Youngstown, Ohio, on May 28, 2024.
WYTV
In this screen grab from a video, first responders are on the scene after an explosion in Youngstown, Ohio, on May 28, 2024.
WYTV
It is unclear what caused the explosion, which impacted a building that contains a Chase bank and apartments, officials said.
Water and gas have been shut off to the building, Finley said. Crews were waiting for the power to be turned off to conduct a search, he said.
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Everyone in the bank has been accounted for except for one man, Finley said. Police were searching for his vehicle in the wake of the explosion, he said.
“Until then, we have to assume he is in the building,” Finley said.
An engineer will also examine the structural integrity of the building, the fire chief said. The center of downtown will be “completely shut down” due to the potential for a structural collapse, Finley said.
The immediate vicinity has been evacuated, officials said.
A Chase spokesperson told ABC News the company is in “close contact with local officials to check on the safety of everyone in the building and area.”
“After that, we’ll work to determine what happened and to assess the damage,” the spokesperson said.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
An explosion in downtown Youngstown, Ohio has left multiple people injured and caused significant damage to surrounding buildings. The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon, sending shockwaves through the community and prompting a swift response from emergency services.
According to reports, the explosion occurred at a commercial building on Market Street, causing a large fire and sending debris flying in all directions. Several people were injured in the blast, with some being taken to local hospitals for treatment. The extent of their injuries is not yet known, but authorities have confirmed that there are no fatalities at this time.
The cause of the explosion is still under investigation, but early reports suggest that it may have been the result of a gas leak or other mechanical failure. Firefighters and other first responders worked quickly to contain the blaze and ensure the safety of those in the area.
The explosion has caused significant damage to nearby buildings, with windows shattered and debris scattered across the streets. The area has been cordoned off as authorities work to assess the extent of the damage and determine the cause of the explosion.
Residents in the area have been advised to stay away from the scene and avoid breathing in any smoke or fumes that may be present. The Red Cross has set up a temporary shelter for those displaced by the explosion, providing food, water, and other necessities to those in need.
The community of Youngstown has come together in the wake of this tragedy, offering support and assistance to those affected by the explosion. Local businesses have donated supplies and resources to aid in the recovery efforts, while residents have opened their homes to those in need of shelter.
As the investigation into the explosion continues, authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. The safety of the community is their top priority, and they are working diligently to ensure that a similar incident does not occur in the future.
In times of crisis, it is important for communities to come together and support one another. The explosion in downtown Youngstown serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of being prepared for emergencies. By working together and staying vigilant, we can help prevent tragedies like this from happening again.
