YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — First responders are at the scene of a natural gas explosion at the Chase Bank building in downtown Youngstown.
According to the Mahoning County Emergency Management Agency, “there has been a natural gas explosion in downtown Youngstown. The situation is fluid but under control. Please avoid the area until further notice.”
Seven people have been taken to the hospital and one person is in critical condition following the explosion, according to a statement from Mercy Health shared with 3News’ sister station 21 News WFMJ.
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Youngstown Fire Chief Barry Finley tells WFMJ that there have been no fatalities as a result of the incident.
Per WFMJ, Chase Bank occupies the first floor of the 13-story building, which also houses numerous apartments. The neighboring apartment building International Towers is being evacuated for safety.
A spokesperson for Enbridge Gas Ohio put out the following statement at approximately 5:45 p.m. on Tuesday.
“I’d like to extend our sincere condolences to those impacted by this event, to their families and to the community. Our primary concern is the safety and well-being of everyone involved.
“On Tuesday, May 28 at 2:51 p.m., Enbridge Gas Ohio crews were called to respond to a reported explosion in downtown Youngstown.
Public safety is our top priority, and we are onsite and working closely with local emergency responders to contain the area and have shut off gas to the entire block as a safety precaution.
“The cause is not known at this time. An investigation will be led by the State Fire Marshal’s office, and we will assist in any way we can. This process can take time. Our thoughts are with those who have been impacted by this event.”
U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) put out the following statement on social media just after 5 p.m.
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“My team and I are monitoring the ongoing situation following the explosion in downtown Youngstown. While we wait to find out more, we thank the firefighters, police, and medical personnel who arrived on the scene quickly & are actively working to keep everyone in the area safe.”
source: wkyc.com/northeast-ohio/crews-respond-gas-explosion-chase-bank-building-youngstown
