Building explosion! Multiple injuries reported in Youngstown, Ohio

• A building explosion in Youngstown, Ohio!
• Multiple injuries were reported.
• What caused the incident?

A catastrophic building explosion in Youngstown, Ohio caused panic on Tuesday afternoon.

The incident shattered the first floor of a 13-story building, which houses a bank and several apartments.

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Emergency teams are working amid smoke and debris while the exact cause of the explosion is investigated and ongoing risks are assessed.

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Several injured in building explosion in Youngstown, Ohio

Downtown Youngstown, Ohio, was shocked by a devastating explosion, apparently caused by a natural gas leak.

On Tuesday, residents and passersby witnessed a chaotic scene as a «massive explosion» rocked a 13-story building.

Moreover, the incident left multiple injuries and an ongoing emergency situation, according to USA TODAY.

The explosion has generated concern and shock in the local community, and authorities are working hard to provide assistance and support to all those affected.

Warning after the explosion in Ohio!

🚨#AlertaADN
Attention! 🔺 Strong #explosion in a bank building in Youngstown, Ohio, #USA; local media report at least 7 injured pic.twitter.com/QjgwsJtu0c

— adn40 (@adn40) May 28, 2024

According to reports from local firefighters, the initial explosion was attributed to a suspected natural gas leak.

This triggered a series of events that put many lives at risk, prompting authorities to use social media to avoid the area.

«Please AVOID downtown Youngstown. Major explosion with injuries due to possible natural gas leas,» wrote the Professional Firefighters Union of Youngstown.

The incident occurred in downtown Youngstown, where the first floor of a 13-story building suffered significant damage. Images of the incident were shared on social media.

How many victims were reported?

The explosion in Youngstown, which occurred around 2:45 p.m., damaged a building and blew out the facade, according to WKBN-TV.

Firefighters assisted some people out of the building, which houses a bank on the ground floor and also some apartments.

The seven injured were taken to Mercy Health Hospital in Youngstown.

A hospital spokesperson said one person was in critical condition but gave no further details, according to The Associated Press.

What did the firefighters say?

JUST IN

JPMorgan’s Chase Bank in Youngstown, Ohio explodes. pic.twitter.com/ite4u16Adg

— Moby Media (@mobymedia) May 28, 2024

Initial reports indicated that several people were trapped in the building following the explosion, although the exact number of injuries were not yet clear.

Rescue teams worked frantically to help the victims and evacuate all residents and passersby within a 365-degree radius around the incident site.

«Reports of an underground gas explosion with multiple victims trapped. Requesting second alarm. EMS requested,» authorities declared.

Youngstown’s Fire Chief, Barry Finley, issued an immediate evacuation order to ensure the safety of everyone in the surrounding area.