Youngstown, Ohio – The Mahoning County coroner’s office has identified the victim of the building explosion in Youngstown as 27-year-old Chase Bank employee Akil Drake. The tragic incident took place at the Chase Bank/Realty Building on Tuesday, leading to Drake’s untimely death.
According to the Youngstown Police Department, a natural gas explosion occurred at the bank where Drake was working before he was sadly found deceased in the building. The police department confirmed that all individuals involved in the incident have been located, with no one reported missing at the current time.
Following the explosion, seven people were injured and some were hospitalized, with one individual requiring ventilation, as reported by Youngstown Fire Chief Barry Finley. The state Fire Marshal is actively investigating the explosion to determine its cause and prevent similar incidents in the future.
In response to the tragedy, Chase Bank expressed their condolences, stating, “The JPMorgan Chase family mourns the loss of our colleague. Our hearts go out to their family, as well as our injured employees, their families, and others affected by this tragedy.”
The closure of several buildings, including the Stanbaugh Building, Double Tree by Hilton Hotel, and the Chase Bank/Realty Building, has been enforced until further notice. Additionally, the Mahoning County’s Emergency Management Agency has advised the public to avoid the Central Square area in downtown Youngstown due to ongoing recovery and investigation efforts.
Drake, a former student athlete in the Penn Hills School District in the Pittsburgh area, was remembered fondly by the district. In a statement, the Penn Hills Schools extended their deepest sympathies to Drake’s family and others impacted by the explosion, highlighting his achievements both academically and on the football field.
As the investigation into the tragic explosion continues, the community remains united in supporting the victims and their families during this challenging time.