In the heart of Youngstown, Ohio, an unexpected event unfolded on May 28, 2024. An explosion rocked the Realty Building located at the corner of Market and East Federal Streets downtown. The cause remains under investigation but is believed to have been a gas leak.
The blast occurred in the first floor of the building which houses a Chase Bank branch. Seven people were injured, with one requiring critical care, and two individuals are still missing.
The Realty Tower is a 13-story structure that includes condominiums and apartments on the upper floors. The building was sold to Yo Properties 47 LLC in June 2018 for $2 million. Frangos Group, which developed the building, also sold several other downtown properties since then including the Stambaugh Building, Erie Terminal Place, Wick Building and former Chase Building.
The explosion was felt throughout the area and caused significant damage to both the Realty Tower and neighboring structures. Construction workers reported smelling gas beforehand. The structural integrity of the building is in question as a result of the explosion.
Fire Chief Barry Finley, who arrived at the scene shortly after, stated that everyone had been accounted for except for one man and one woman. Their whereabouts remain unknown.
The area has been evacuated and no one is allowed to enter either the Realty building or the Double Tree hotel nearby. However, residents of International Towers are permitted to return to their homes.
The Ohio State Fire Marshal is leading the investigation into this critical incident.