Youngstown, Ohio – A tragic explosion in downtown Youngstown left one person dead and seven others injured, prompting state officials to launch an investigation into the incident. The explosion, which occurred at the Realty Building on 47 Federal Plaza, claimed the life of Akil Drake, a 27-year-old Pittsburgh native and employee of a Chase Bank branch located within the building.
Authorities initially attributed the explosion to a natural gas leak, but the cause is currently under investigation as police and fire officials work to determine the exact circumstances that led to the devastating blast. The incident, which took place just before 3 p.m., resulted in the collapse of part of the building’s ground floor into the basement and sent debris flying across the street.
In response to the explosion, emergency officials have closed off the Realty Building, the Stambaugh Building, and a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel as engineers assess the structural damage. The Red Cross is providing assistance to those who have been displaced by the blast, while residents are being urged to avoid the affected area as investigations continue.
Despite initial reports of two missing persons, officials have confirmed that everyone has been located. Notably, a woman who was initially believed to be missing had registered under a different name at the hospital, according to Youngstown Fire Chief Barry Finley. One of the injured victims remains in critical condition after the explosion.
“We have no idea what caused the explosion. We know that there was an explosion and it did a lot of damage to the bottom of the building,” said Finley, highlighting the extent of the destruction caused by the blast. As investigations into the incident unfold, authorities are working diligently to piece together what transpired leading up to the tragic event.