An explosion rocked downtown Youngstown, Ohio, on May 28, 2024. The incident occurred near Central Square and impacted a building that houses a Chase bank and apartments. According to reports from various sources, at least seven people were injured in the blast and two individuals remain missing.
The cause of the explosion is still under investigation, but initial assumptions of a natural gas leak have been revised as search crews work to determine if there was indeed a gas leak or if another cause is responsible.
One man, who was an employee of the bank, is among those reported missing. Search and rescue efforts are ongoing to locate him and any other missing individuals.
The explosion destroyed the first floor of the building, which contained a Chase bank branch. The upper floors were evacuated due to potential structural damage.
Mercy Health Hospital confirmed that seven people were transported there for treatment following the incident, with one person in critical condition.
Police have urged people to avoid the area and have closed off surrounding streets due to potential hazards and the ongoing search efforts.
The building is located on Federal Street in downtown Youngstown. The Realty Building, as it is known, is a 13-story structure that also houses apartments on its upper floors.
This incident marks the second major event to impact the Youngstown area in just over a year. Last February, a Norfolk-Southern train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, spilling toxic chemicals and causing ongoing health issues for residents.
The investigation into the cause of the explosion is ongoing.
