AUSTINTOWN, Ohio (WOIO) - An explosion rocked the Phoenix House Apartments in Mahoning County Saturday afternoon, blowing out the northeast corner of the senior and disabled independent living complex.

According to Austintown Fire, the explosion happened on Meridian Road and injured at least 10 people.

The blast was so powerful it exposed residents’ living spaces, with furniture and appliances scattered by the impact.

Robert Brainard was inside his apartment when the explosion occurred.

“I heard a loud explosion. I felt my AC and TV went down because it was a shake and I heard a little boom,” Brainard said.

Rescue and evacuation efforts

Firefighters immediately began searching through debris to ensure all residents were safely evacuated from the seven-story building.

One person was

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