Youngstown, Ohio – Residents in Youngstown are facing an unexpected crisis as they are forced to evacuate their homes with limited notice. This decision comes two weeks after a nearby building explosion that has left surrounding structures in a precarious state.
One of the affected residents, Clifton Mills Sr., expressed frustration at the situation which has left him and 169 other tenants in International Towers scrambling to find alternative housing. The explosion on May 28th at the Realty Building has raised concerns about its stability, prompting officials to order evacuations by Friday.
Mills questions the delayed response from city officials, wondering why it took two weeks to reach a decision on evacuation. Mayor Jamael Tito Brown defended the timing, citing the need for a structural engineer report that ultimately led to the evacuation order.
The community is reeling from not only the threat of collapsing buildings but also the tragic loss of Akil Drake, a young Chase Bank employee who perished in the explosion. With many residents lacking family support, organizations like the American Red Cross have stepped in to assist in the transition process.
Amidst the uncertainty and displacement, residents like William Kinnard are grateful for the assistance from the Red Cross and other community partners who are working to ease the burden on those affected by the evacuation. As the city grapples with the aftermath of the explosion and subsequent structural concerns, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents impacted by these events.