(5-28-24) A gas explosion in the Chase Bank Building in Downtown Youngstown happened today, the entire first floor of the building appears to have been destroyed.

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

Angela Reighard, associate, regional communications at JPMorgan Chase

“We are in close contact with local officials to check on the safety of everyone in the Realty Building and area. After that, we’ll work to determine what happened and to assess the damage.”

The neighboring apartment building International Towers was evacuated for safety but its resident are being let back in. However, occupants in the Realty Building, which houses Chase Bank, are not.

People are being evacuated from the building and all occupants have been ordered to move to the Market Street Bridge due to the possibility that the building could collapse.

Seven people have been taken to the hospital and one person is in critical condition following the explosion. Fire crews are working to locate two people, a man and a woman, that are missing

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.

Gas was reported to still be coming from the area, but we’re told gas has been shut off in the building.

All county buildings have closed as a result of the explosion and the Board of Elections has stopped early voting. The Youngstown City School Board has also canceled its Tuesday night meeting.

Drivers are asked to avoid the area.