A cause for the explosion that occurred on West Union Street on Sunday evening has yet to be determined.
Fire Chief Rob Rymer said the the Ohio State Fire Marshal is working with Columbia Gas of Ohio to determine the cause.
One person was injured, but there is no update on his condition, Rymer said.
Rymer said the building at 104 W. Union St., which contains Cycle Path Bicycles and apartments, could collapse further and officials are not allowing anyone to enter the upstairs area of the building. The area around the building has also been taped off to keep people away.
“The people currently do not have access to their belongings inside,” Rymer said. “We may be able to work out something in the future, but right now due to safety and the stability to the actual structure, they do not.”
Dave Rau, communication manager of Columbia Gas of Ohio, said Columbia Gas checked the two lines surrounding the building and they continue to “hold pressure.”
“From what we can see at this point, our facilities are not involved,” Rau said. “Our facilities run up to and include the meter. Everything after that is owned and maintained by the customer.”
Rau said Columbia Gas is going to do further testing but currently does not see any involvement from its facilities.
“We are going to do tests around the neighborhood just to be sure, but again, we have no reason to think that our facilities were involved at all,” Rau said.
Ohio University Spokesman Dan Pittman said OU is aware of four students affected by the explosion.
He said they do not know of any hospitalized OU students.
“The university is in the process of reaching out to all known affected students and will assist with providing essentials (food, clothing, shelter) if desired,” Pittman said in an email.
Pittman said any affected students who have not already connected with the university and would like assistance are welcome to contact the dean of students at 740-593-1800.
Those in need of additional emotional support may call Counseling and Psychological Services 24 hours a day at 740-593-1616 to speak with a professional counselor.
— Bailey Gallion contributed to this report.
