A “large explosion” occurred in a building in downtown Youngstown, with multiple injuries reported. Authorities urged residents to avoid the downtown area until emergency crews arrive on scene. The explosion occurred at approximately 2:45 p.m. A post from Mahoning County Emergency Management said there was a natural gas explosion. “The situation is fluid but under control. Please stay out of the area until further notice,” the post read. NBC affiliate WFMJ posted security camera footage from a nearby business that captured the explosion. WFMJ reports that the building’s first floor is occupied by a Chase bank, but the building also houses several apartments. WFMJ reports that seven people were taken to the hospital and two are still believed to be missing. The seven injured were taken to Mercy Health Hospital in Youngstown. A hospital spokesperson said one person was in critical condition but did not provide further details. Evacuation orders were issued for surrounding buildings. Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown posted about the incident on Twitter on Tuesday night. “My team and I are monitoring the situation following the explosion in downtown Youngstown. While we wait for more information, I would like to thank the firefighters, police and medical personnel who arrived on scene quickly and are working hard to keep everyone in the area safe,” the post read. Ohio fire marshals are on the scene and are investigating the cause of the gas leak Tuesday afternoon.
A “large explosion” occurred at a building in downtown Youngstown, with multiple injuries reported.
Authorities urged residents to avoid the downtown area until emergency responders arrived on the scene. The explosion occurred at about 2:45 p.m.
A post from Mahoning County Emergency Management said there was a natural gas explosion. “The situation is fluid but under control. Please avoid the area until further notice,” the post said.
NBC affiliate WFMJ posted security camera footage from a nearby store that captured the explosion.
According to WFMJ, a Chase bank occupies the first floor of the building, but the building also contains multiple apartments.
Seven people were taken to the hospital and two are still missing, WFMJ reported.
Seven of the injured were taken to Mercy Health Hospital in Youngstown, where a hospital spokesman said one was in critical condition but gave no further details.
Evacuation orders were issued for surrounding buildings.
Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio posted about the incident on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday night.
“My team and I are monitoring the situation following the explosion in downtown Youngstown. While we wait for more information, I would like to thank the firefighters, police and medical personnel who arrived on scene quickly and are working aggressively to keep everyone in the community safe,” the post read.
Ohio State Fire Marshals are on scene and are investigating the cause of the gas leak Tuesday afternoon.
