A massive explosion destroyed the Chase bank building in downtown Youngstown, Ohio, on Tuesday afternoon, leaving six people injured and one missing.
Witnesses said they heard a loud boom followed by thick smoke coming from the Chase Bank building, located on the ground floor of the Realty Building.
Debora Flora, executive director of Mahoning County Land Bank, described the scene.
“I heard the boom, and I could see dark smoke coming out of the side of the Chase Bank building… but it was such a really strong, strong boom,” Flora told WKBN.
Security camera footage captured the terrifying explosion as it ripped through the structure, sending debris flying.
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The Daily Mail reported:
Fire Chief Barry Finley confirmed two people were missing, one man and one woman, and stated everyone else in the building had been located.
“The floor is collapsed in on itself, there’s nothing to see, it’s full of water, so honestly, we don’t know if that person is down there or not,” Finley said.
“When we get clearance to go into the building… until then, I will not put any of my firefighters down there to do a search for any reason right now.”
The wife of the missing man and his coworker both reported that he came to work at the bank on Tuesday, but has not since been located.
The seven injured people were taken to Mercy Health Hospital, with one patient in critical condition, according to a hospital spokesperson.
A social media post by the Mahoning County Emergency Management Agency said there was a natural gas explosion and the situation is ‘fluid but under control.’ The agency asked people to avoid the area until further notice.
WFMJ reported:
About seven people have been taken to the hospital and one person is still considered missing, Youngstown Fire crews are working to locate them now, according to Youngstown Fire Chief Barry Finely.
Finley says an evacuation order has been issued for everyone 365 degrees around the building. We’re also told everyone in the building has been accounted for.
First responders have the area blocked off and the bomb squad, as well as a structural engineer were called to the scene. The Mahoning County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) has taken over the scene.
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