CINCINNATI — Four people were rushed to the hospital Sunday following a possible house explosion in East Price Hill.
Cincinnati Fire Department (CFD) Assistant Fire Chief Matt Flagler said there was a potential explosion and fire at a four-family home in the 700 block of Elberon Avenue just before 8:30 p.m. Sunday.
Flagler indicated in an update on Monday that the explosion and fire were accidental, but investigators are still in the preliminary stages of determining what caused the house to catch fire.
"The firefighters themselves really had to extend themselves, just zero to 100," Flagler said. "They performed a fantastic job, but you know, they still feel a real sense of loss because of how many people were injured."
Hear from those who witnessed the explosion in the video below:
Flagler told WCPO 9 that the victims were two children and two adults. The two kids and one of the adults suffered minor injuries, and the second adult suffered serious injuries, according to the fire department.
When crews arrived on the scene, they discovered at least one of the injured people lying in the front yard. The victims were transported to an area hospital.
According to Flagler, there was a language barrier with the residents.
"Luckily we had some Spanish speakers between police and fire last night and were able to kind of get some good communication going," Flagler said. "We know that's a concern for people, and we certainly want our citizens to know that we're here to take care of them."
Approximately 65 firefighters responded to the scene, where Flagler said the entire right side of the building "was completely gone" when they arrived.
Fire crews will be assisted by Duke Energy as they investigate the cause of the fire.
WCPO 9 News has reached out to a Duke Energy spokesperson for an update. We are still waiting to hear back.
"I don't know how anyone could make it out of that," said Ladarian Edmonds, a next-door neighbor. "You just have to imagine, 'How did the whole side of a building just blow?'"
Edmonds said she was getting into her car when she saw an "explosion."
"A man walked in the building, but soon as he opened the door, it blew up. I don't know. It just exploded," she said. "I'm surprised it ain't collapsed. It looked like it's gonna collapse."
Edmonds said the impact was reminiscent of a "bomb" or "missile."
"It was loud and for me to be that close, it was even louder," said Edmonds. "I just hope that they can recover from what happened and everything that they lost."
