A gas leak appears to have caused a large explosion in downtown Youngstown, Ohio, on Tuesday afternoon, reportedly blowing out the bottom floor of a 13-story building and injuring at least seven people.

The first floor of the building, which houses a Chase Bank, appears to have been destroyed, according to NBC affiliate WFMJ of Youngstown. The explosion occurred around 3 p.m., creating chaos and devastation in the area.

Two people, a man and a woman, were unaccounted for after the blast, Youngstown Fire Chief Barry Finley told reporters at the scene. The man is believed to have worked for the bank, Finley said. Efforts to locate the missing individuals included deploying a sheriff’s department drone into the basement of the building, but visibility was severely limited due to the extent of the damage.

“The floor’s collapsed in on itself, there’s nothing to see, so honestly we don’t know if that person is down there or not,” Finley said.

Mercy Health Hospital was treating seven patients, one of whom was in critical condition, hospital spokesperson Jennifer Robinson said in a statement. The hospital is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with local emergency management officials to provide the necessary care and support.

“Our hearts go out to those impacted, and we stand ready to assist those in need as the health of our patients and the entire Youngstown community is and always has been our top priority,” Robinson said.

Security video from a nearby business captured the moment of the explosion on an otherwise quiet street. The footage shows a calm scene disrupted by a sudden eruption of plumes of gray smoke from the building’s windows, indicating the severity of the blast.

The Mahoning County Emergency Management Agency stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that the explosion was caused by a natural gas leak. “The situation is fluid but under control,” the agency reported, highlighting the ongoing efforts to manage the aftermath.

Utility company Enbridge Gas Ohio responded to reports of the explosion at 2:15 p.m., although the exact cause was still under investigation. “An investigation will be led by the State Fire Marshal’s office, and we will assist in any way we can,” a spokesperson said in an email. “This process can take time. Our thoughts are with those who have been impacted by this event.”

Youngstown police have urged residents to avoid the downtown area as emergency services work to secure the scene and ensure public safety.

“We have no idea what caused the explosion. We know there was an explosion, and it did a lot of damage to the bottom of the building,” Finley said at the scene, according to video posted online by ABC affiliate WTAE of Pittsburgh.

The explosion’s impact on the local community is profound, as residents and businesses deal with the aftermath of the sudden disaster. The destruction of the building’s lower floors and the subsequent search for missing persons have mobilized significant emergency response resources.

Authorities continue to assess the structural integrity of the affected building and surrounding structures to prevent further incidents. The local community is being urged to stay informed through official channels and follow safety instructions from emergency services.

This incident underscores the critical importance of gas leak detection and the need for rigorous safety protocols in urban environments. Investigators will be examining the site meticulously to determine the exact cause of the leak and prevent similar occurrences in the future.

As the investigation proceeds, the community remains on high alert, with support from local organizations and emergency response teams dedicated to ensuring the safety and recovery of those affected by the explosion. The process of rebuilding and recovery will undoubtedly be challenging, but the resilience and cooperation of the Youngstown community will be crucial in overcoming the aftermath of this tragic event.

Local businesses have expressed their concerns and support for those affected, offering temporary assistance and accommodations for displaced individuals. Community leaders are also coordinating efforts to provide counseling and mental health support for those traumatized by the explosion. The city’s response to this disaster will likely include revisiting safety protocols and emergency preparedness plans to enhance future resilience against such incidents.

In the coming days, residents will likely see increased activity from construction crews and safety inspectors as they work to stabilize the area and begin the rebuilding process. This tragic event serves as a somber reminder of the importance of community, preparedness, and vigilance in the face of unexpected disasters.