Unfortunately, three individuals have lost their lives in the wake of a devastating explosion that annihilated a business establishment in Hillsboro, Ohio. Paint Creek Joint EMS & Fire was summoned to the scene at Jimbo’s Auto Repair on U.S. 62 following reports of the explosion. Observers shared alarming images and videos depicting thick smoke and roaring flames emerging from the debris of the collapsed structure in downtown Hillsboro.
Clint Moore, stationed a block away from the explosion at the time, recounted how it violently rattled him. “I was terrified,” Moore confessed, visibly shaken.
#BREAKING: Fire Chief David Manning now tells us the three people missing in this explosion have all been found dead in the rubble.
A fourth person was transported to the hospital.
Clint Moore was working nearby, and took this video right after it happened
LANGUAGE WARNING@WCPO https://t.co/G7hTJfWqOo pic.twitter.com/tu0hq0AJNh— Sean DeLancey (@SeanDeLanceyTV) November 29, 2023
Moore further described the chaos and confusion that ensued, making it impossible for him and others to approach the site and provide assistance. “It was a real war zone. It was unreal,” he lamented.
Paint Creek Fire Chief David Manning emphasized the sheer impact of the explosion, which reverberated four blocks away at the firehouse. “It definitely did rock and shake the area,” Manning commented.
As daylight receded and temperatures plummeted, the situation was compounded by harsh weather conditions, with city workers deploying salt trucks to prevent the soaking roads from freezing. “It’s definitely a challenge, but we try to do everything we can as safely as possible,” Manning added.
The bodies of the three victims will be transferred to the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office for further processes.
A WCPO crew is at the scene. This story will be updated with more information when it is available.
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