×

Four killed in house explosion in Mahoning County

Ellsworth blast damages other homes; state investigates

Morgan Ahart / (Lisbon) Morning Journal ... A house explosion in the 8000 block of Huxley Road in Ellsworth Township on Saturday morning reduced the home to an empty lot and also damaged a house across the street. The explosion left four people dead, scattered debris for about a half-mile and shot debris into the treetops and onto roofs.

ELLSWORTH — Four people were killed, a house was reduced to an empty lot and several other homes were damaged after a house in the 8000 block of Huxley Road exploded early Saturday.

Jarrod Clay, a spokesperson for the Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office, confirmed the number of victims on Sunday and also said the agency is investigating with local officials. He said the cause remains under investigation and the identities of the victims won’t be released until at least today.

According to the Ellsworth Fire Department, a call came in around 7:15 a.m. Saturday for reports of an explosion in the 8000 block of Huxley Road. The explosion was followed by a fire that sent thick black plumes of smoke into the air.

Firefighters from Ellsworth, Canfield, Jackson, Berlin, Milton and Green townships battled the blaze for several hours and spent most of the day Saturday sifting through the rubble.

The fire marshal’s office, Mahoning County Coroner’s Office and Sheriff’s Office, as well as cadaver dogs were on scene.

The blast also damaged surrounding homes, including one across the street that had all its windows shattered from the blast. Other homes were shifted off their foundations, had cracks in their walls or ceilings, and items knocked off shelves and cabinets.

Neighbors reported hearing what sounded like a bomb and feeling the vibration of the blast. Firefighters said there is nothing left of the home and it is now an empty lot, although it is surrounded by police tape because the scene is still being investigated.

More details are expected to be released today.

Starting at $2.99/week.

Subscribe Today