BARBERTON, Ohio — Barberton firefighters are searching for a cause after an explosion leveled a home Tuesday evening.
The explosion at 1076 Belleview Ave. was reported around 6:30 p.m. and rattled many neighbors.
According to Barberton Fire Chief Steve Ionno, there were no injuries and the house was unoccupied at the time.
Fire departments from New Franklin, Norton and Copley assisted the Barberton Fire Department.
Ionno said the house was recently sold and paperwork had been signed on the same day as the explosion.
Firefighters are returning to the scene Wednesday morning to sift through the debris and search for a cause.
Investigators with the Ohio State Fire Marshals Office are assisting in the case.
Ionno said part of the investigation will focus on the possibility of a gas leak. Crews from Enbridge were on the scene Wednesday and wrapped up a gas meter for further inspection.
"They have different types of equipment in the ground that would detect any spike that would be of concern," Ionno said.
Wednesday afternoon, Enbridge Gas Ohio sent the following statement regarding the explosion:
The evening of Tuesday, March 4, Enbridge Gas Ohio crews responded to a reported explosion at a home in Barberton. We were onsite last night and today working closely with the State Fire Marshal and the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.
The State Fire Marshal’s office is leading the investigation. We inspected and tested our facilities, and our equipment is operating safely. We will continue to assist in any way we can. Our thoughts are with those who are impacted by this event.
This story will be updated once more information is available.
