Cleveland Crash Leads to Building Explosion, Collapse

Nov. 20, 2023
Cleveland firefighters say a woman is missing after as suspected gas explosion collapsed an apartment building that was struck by a car.

Cleveland officials say one person is missing after a car crashed into an apartment building and ignited an explosion.

The vehicle struck the building in the 3300 block of East 139th Street about 8:00 p.m. Sunday.

Fire department spokesman Lt. Mike Norman told Cleveland19.com that the car broke a gas line which caused an explosion.

Norman said the woman was seen in the apartment shortly before the explosion and collapse and crews were searching the debris Monday for her.

Firefighters rescued one woman from the rubble of the collapse. She was treated on-scene and refused transportation to the hospital. 

A firefighter suffered a knee injury.

Fox8.com reported that the vehicle crashed through the building that exploded, then struck a second building. 

The driver fled from the scene.