Youngstown in Crisis After Chase Bank Explosion Injures Multiple People

On Tuesday afternoon, a huge explosion tore through downtown Youngstown.

Preliminary indications point to a potential gas leak as the cause of this catastrophic occurrence.

Observers recounted hearing a deafening blast and witnessing dense smoke emanating from the Chase Bank building, situated on the lower level of the Realty Building.

Eyewitnesses such as Debora Flora, who serves as the executive director of Mahoning County Land Bank, vividly detailed the distressing 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.

The security camera at a nearby business recorded the alarming scene as the explosion tore through the building, causing windows to shatter and debris to be propelled into the air.

WATCH:

WFMJ reported:

Chase Bank occupies the first floor of the building, but the 13-story building also houses numerous apartments.

The neighboring apartment building International Towers is being evacuated for safety.

People are being evacuated from the building and all occupants and news crews have been ordered to move to the Market Street Bridge.

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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