Demolition underway at building damaged in NE Ohio gas explosion

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – Crews will be demolishing the Realty Building in Youngstown Friday following damage from the gas leak explosion on May 28.

Demolition is expected to begin at 1 p.m. Watch a live feed of the demolition in the video above. Before demolition, part of the fire escape was removed from the building. As of 12:45 p.m., the other part of the fire escape was removed.

There had been efforts from some people in the community to save the building, but the building’s owner said demolition was the best course of action to quickly reopen the downtown.

On Wednesday, first responders went into the building to retrieve some personal belongings of the residents who were evacuated after the explosion. They were only able to take what would fit inside a duffle bag .

Crews will start by taking off the roof, then going down floor by floor. The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency will be on-site to make sure any asbestos materials are handled properly. The “R” logos on the building will be saved for historical purposes.

City officials said people should expect increased traffic, the presence of dust, further damage to roads and curbs near the building, and relocation of barricades during this time.

Check back here for updates on this developing story.

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