Ohio Neighborhood Rocked By Pool Chemical Explosion: Everything We Know

An Ohio homeowner who was mixing pool chemicals caused an explosion Thursday that rocked the neighborhood and left five people hospitalized.

The Eastlake Fire Department responded to a report of a chlorine explosion inside of a home just before 6:15 p.m., according to a press release sent to Newsweek by Fire Chief Theodore H. Whittington.

When officials arrived, they found "a large crowd outside of the home with a family member using a garden hose to spray down" anyone who was exposed to the chemical, according to the release.

During the blast, 11 people were inside the house. Two minors were taken to Rainbow Babies and Children in Cleveland. One adult was transported to University Hospital's main campus while two other two adults were taken to University Hospital in Willoughby.

All five reported difficulty breathing and burning eyes and skin. Officials said their conditions are currently unknown.

The other six people were treated at the house and did not require hospitalization.

Members of the Lake County Haz Mat Team searched the residence.

Officials determined that "a potential, violent chemical reaction" happened when the owner of the home was preparing to use chlorine in the family's pool, according to the release.

The explosion created a "large release of chlorine gas" that impacted people inside of the home.

There is no risk to the surrounding area and the chlorine cloud was contained inside of the house, officials said.

"As a precaution, air monitoring was established around the home with pH paper to detect the presence of the caustic gas produced by the chlorine," police said in the news release. "There was no reaction noted at the time of the incident and periodic checks throughout the evening also proved negative."

The Red Cross was also contacted and the organization is assisting the residents of the home. The cities of Willowick, Wickliffe, Willoughby, Willoughby Hills and Mentor, also assisted in the response.

Eastlake is located about 90 minutes from Youngstown, where a large explosion at an apartment building resulted in one death and several injuries last month.

Officials initially suspected natural gas caused that explosion, but later said the cause is under investigation, according to the Associated Press.

The blast sent bricks, glass and other debris onto the sidewalk.

Killed in the explosion was 27-year-old Akil Drake.

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