Natural Gas Explosion in Youngstown, Ohio: One Dead, Seven Injured

A tragic natural gas explosion in Youngstown, Ohio, has left one man dead and seven others injured. The explosion occurred at a downtown bank building, causing significant damage to the facade of the building. The 27-year-old man who was killed in the explosion was an employee at the Chase Bank where the incident took place.

Rescue efforts by the Youngstown Fire Department recovered the deceased man, while all other individuals involved in the explosion have been safely accounted for. The front of the Realty building on East Federal Street sustained heavy damage, with images showing the complete destruction of the facade.

Authorities have restricted access to the Realty building and the neighboring Double Tree hotel due to concerns about structural integrity. Enbridge Gas, the company responsible for the gas supply, has shut off gas to the entire block as a safety precaution. The cause of the explosion is currently unknown, and an investigation by the Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office is underway.

Seven people were injured in the explosion, with one individual in critical condition and on a ventilator. Enbridge Gas has extended condolences to those affected by the incident. Residents are advised to avoid the area until further notice, and emergency communication lines are being kept open by Youngstown police.

Officials from JPMorgan Chase are working closely with local authorities to assess the situation and determine the extent of the damage. Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown has been made aware of the explosion, and Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 is on the scene to gather more information. This is a developing story, and updates can be found on Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 and the WTAE mobile app.