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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – Body camera video from the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office shows the moments after a building in downtown Youngstown exploded Tuesday, sending debris across the area.
Video from the deputy’s body camera, obtained by Nexstar’s WKBN, shows him rushing in to help local firefighters, who pull an injured woman from the wreckage.
The explosion happened just before 3 p.m. Tuesday at the Realty building, which houses Chase Bank and apartments.
Youngstown Mayor Jamael Tito Brown and Fire Chief Barry Finley said the cause of the explosion is still under investigation.
In the video, firefighters can be heard talking about a gas leak from the building.
When asked Wednesday if the explosion was caused by natural gas or if there were workers in the basement at the time of the explosion, Brown said he would not speculate and would wait until the fire marshal made a ruling.
One man, 27-year-old Akil Drake, was killed in the explosion, and seven others were injured. One of those victims was in critical condition in the hospital, while the others were either treated and released or expected to be released from the hospital on Wednesday.
Youngstown Professional Firefighters Local 312 President Jon Racco applauded firefighters for their work at the dangerous scene.
“Within 4 minutes of the initial dispatch, arriving firefighters were performing rescues, saving lives, and rendering aid to those in need. Local 312 could not be more proud of our members and the bravery they showed in those times of despair,” he said in a statement.
Kristen Hephner contributed to this report.
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