Senior Living Facility Rocked by Devastating Explosion
At least ten people sustained injuries, including one seriously wounded, after a powerful explosion tore through the Phoenix House Senior Apartments in Austintown, Ohio on Saturday afternoon. The blast occurred at approximately 12.45pm, sending shockwaves through the low-income complex that primarily houses elderly and disabled residents.
Residents Describe Terrifying Ordeal
Witnesses reported the initial rumbling felt like an earthquake before culminating in what one resident described as a "big, loud blast then boom." The force was substantial enough to topple bookshelves, tear out air conditioning units, and scatter debris across the parking lot.
Michael Kosach, a resident who escaped the building, told Fox8: "I didn't know how bad it was until I got out." The explosion's impact was particularly severe on the fourth floor, where walls, ceilings, and floors suffered significant damage, leaving interior rooms exposed in the aftermath.
Emergency Response and Evacuation Efforts
Dozens of residents and their pets evacuated immediately as they awaited the arrival of the Austintown Fire Department. Firefighters conducted multiple searches through the debris to ensure no one remained trapped inside.
Tom O'Hara, Austintown Fire Assistant Chief, confirmed one person sustained serious injuries and was rushed to hospital immediately. Several other individuals were classified as "walking wounded" and received treatment for minor injuries. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported.
The evacuation presented particular challenges for some residents. One individual without legs described navigating the staircase "on his butt" while waiting for assistance to arrive.
Community Mobilises to Support Displaced Residents
Approximately 130 residents have been displaced by the incident. Emergency crews from surrounding cities joined the response effort, assisting with injuries and evacuation procedures.
The victims were transported to the Austintown Senior Center and Austintown Elementary School while authorities assessed the damage. Austintown trustees convened an emergency meeting Saturday night, allocating town funds to ensure every displaced resident had accommodation.
Local businesses contributed essential supplies, while the Mahoning County Dog Warden and Animal Charity collaborated to provide shelter for affected pets. County officials have warned other Austintown residents to avoid the area as the investigation continues.
The Board of Mahoning County Commissioners released a statement expressing devastation over the incident and emphasising their focus on resident safety and community wellbeing. The cause of the explosion remains under investigation, though some witnesses reported detecting a gas odour in the area prior to the blast.
Residents have been informed they may not return to their homes for several days while officials determine whether the building remains structurally sound.
