In a shocking incident on Saturday night, a house explosion in Liberty left three individuals with critical injuries.
Liberty Fire Chief Douglas Theobald reported that emergency services were dispatched at approximately 9:25 p.m. to a residence on East Montrose Street due to a fire. Upon arrival, crews discovered that the house had exploded.
“Right now, it’s just a very initial investigation,” Theobald said. “It appears there possibly were some illegal fireworks involved.”
Theobald announced that the residence is set for demolition once the involved agencies conclude their investigation. Three individuals suffering from critical injuries have been transported to nearby hospitals, according to his statement.
“This is a pretty significant explosion for fireworks. Again, remind people, leave the fireworks to the professionals,” Theobald said.
A coordinated response from various local departments was initiated, including the Youngstown Bomb Squad, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Explosives, and the State Fire Marshal.
Theobald reports that the area is free from explosives. The scene remains cordoned off with police tape surrounding the residence.
Authorities are set to return to the location this Sunday for further examination.
Residents described their houses trembling from the blast. Residents from a distance of at least five miles reported hearing it.
“I was just laying in bed watching TV and I heard a ‘boom, boom,’ and I got up and went outside to see what was going on. Everybody else was outside standing around, too, the neighbors and stuff,” said Arnold Jones Jr., who lives nearby. “It shook the house a little bit.”
Residents of nearby houses were evacuated at first, but they were permitted to return home by approximately 11:30 p.m.
A video submitted by a viewer showcases a residence that has suffered extensive damage, featuring blown-out windows and a compromised underside.
