An explosion in downtown Youngstown, Ohio, on Tuesday afternoon, resulted in one fatality and seven injuries, including one person in critical condition. The blast, which occurred near Central Square, caused significant damage to a building housing a Chase bank and several apartments. Authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of the explosion, though initial reports suggest it might have been related to a natural gas leak.
Immediate Response and Casualties
Youngstown Fire Chief Barry Finley initially described the explosion as likely caused by natural gas but later stated that crews were still investigating the possibility of a gas leak. During a press briefing on Tuesday evening, Finley emphasized, “All I know for sure is that there was an explosion.” Mercy Health reported treating seven individuals injured in the incident. The victims’ conditions varied, with one person in critical condition. Tragically, the body of a bank employee was recovered from the site early Wednesday morning. Police were also searching for the employee’s vehicle in the aftermath of the explosion.
Impact on the Building and Evacuation Efforts
The explosion caused the building’s floor to collapse into the basement, which subsequently flooded. Search crews utilized a mini-drone to navigate the unstable area and assist in the search and rescue efforts. The Chase Bank is located on the ground floor of the 12-story building, with apartments occupying the upper floors.
Due to the potential for a structural collapse, authorities evacuated the building and closed nearby streets to traffic indefinitely. The Chase spokesperson informed ABC News that the company is maintaining close contact with local officials to ensure the safety of everyone in the building and surrounding area. “After that, we’ll work to determine what happened and to assess the damage,” the spokesperson added.
Investigation and Safety Measures
As of now, there is no evidence of suspicious activity linked to the explosion. Authorities are focused on investigating the cause and ensuring the safety of the area. Chief Finley and his team are working diligently to understand the sequence of events that led to the explosion and to prevent any further incidents. The investigation will likely include a thorough examination of the building’s gas lines and other potential sources of ignition. Safety protocols for residents and businesses in the vicinity will be reviewed and reinforced to prevent future occurrences.
The explosion in downtown Youngstown has left the community in shock, mourning the loss of life and the injuries sustained by several others. While the investigation continues, local officials and emergency responders are prioritizing the safety and well-being of those affected. The response from Chase and other local entities underscores the importance of community solidarity and support during such crises.