4 dead after home explosion in Ellsworth, Ohio Fire Marshal investigating

ELLSWORTH, Ohio (WKBN) — Four people died in a house explosion on Saturday in Ellsworth, according to the Ohio Fire Marshal.

Dispatch and fire officials received calls around 7:15 a.m. for reports of an explosion in the 8000 block of Huxley Road in Ellsworth Township.

Ellsworth, Canfield, Jackson Township, Berlin Township, Lake Milton and Green Township fire departments responded. The Ohio Fire Marshal, Mahoning County Coroner, Sheriff’s Office, a STAT MedEvac and a cadaver dog were on scene.

“The initial call was for a reported structure fire. That call was then upgraded to explosion. Initial crews on scene reported that the house was completely gone,” said Ellsworth Assistant Fire Chief Jillian Smith. “It was a big scene we had. It was a lot of confusion. The search effort was confusing. So, having all that personnel was a benefit to us.”

Smith says the scene is secured and poses no threat but is under investigation by the State Fire Marshal. The Fire Marshal’s office said there is no word yet on the cause of the explosion and they are working with local authorities on the investigation.

Debris from the explosion was spread about half a mile from the scene. The blast also damaged surrounding homes, with some shifted on their foundations, windows blown in, ceilings cracked and items knocked off shelves and cabinets.

Residents reported feeling a big boom and items rattling in their homes.

“We’re two and a half miles away up off Duck Creek Road, and I could feel it like it was right here on the property,” said Claudia Meredith. “I knew right away it wasn’t a gun. It was too loud, and it sounded just like a bomb.”

One neighbor, Sheila Gilmartin, couldn’t believe it was real. She said there was nothing left of the home.

“It was real foggy this morning. So, you really couldn’t see a lot. Then, we saw one neighbor get in his side-by-side with a fire extinguisher going up the road. When we got out to the road, we could see all the debris,” Gilmartin said. “You think you’re dreaming, You know, it’s like, ‘Okay am I dreaming? No.’ So, it’s pretty devastating.”

The scene has left the small community in shock, but people are looking to help out.

“The community is suffering. They’re all concerned about everybody and the situation that is going on, and they’ve already been trying to send out messages asking how they can help,” said Ellsworth Township Trustee Robert Toman.

Toman said the trustees want to help in any way they can. While the situation is in its early stages, he hopes to eventually bring the community together for a fundraiser to do whatever they can to have a positive impact.

“Very proud of our community. Just over 2,000 people — they’ve always been willing to help their neighbors in need,” Toman said. “It’s something exceptional, and we’re very proud of their willingness to help.”

Toman said he’s grateful for all the first responders who helped on the scene.

Kyle Wills, Hanna Erdmann and Andrew Peterson contributed to this report.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com.