Ohio auto shop explosion kills 3 — 45 firefighters respond to massive blast, battle for 10 hours to extinguish fire

An explosion at an auto shop in Ohio killed three with a massive blast that could be felt blocks away, witnesses said.

Jimbo's Auto in Hillsboro, Ohio, approximately 50 miles east of Cincinnati, was the scene of the disaster. A total of eight fire departments responded to the fire.

Fox News reported that there was an "explosion and a fire," according to first responders from Paint Creek Joint EMS/Fire District.

"It definitely did rock and shake the area," Fire Chief David Manning told local outlets. The blaze required a 45-person firefighting crew and took hours to suppress, Manning explained. In total, the smoldering flames took over 10 hours to finally be extinguished.

"The fire extended into the building immediately adjacent to the auto shop, and there was debris all over the road," Chief Manning said, according to NBC News.

Three people were killed as a result of the incident, while another individual was rescued by first responders and was taken to a hospital.

Video of the fire was captured by nearby security cameras as well as citizens who arrived at the scene.

There was no structural damage to surrounding buildings from the explosion, but the smoke could be seen for miles, and witnesses in the neighborhood said the blast could be felt five or six blocks away.

"When I heard about the explosion, I told my wife, she said it rocked our house something awful, and I hurried on home because I know just about everyone who lives here," a neighbor named Richard Brown told WLWT 5. "Jimbo, who owns the place, is a really stand-up guy, first-rate mechanic, he worked with people. His mother works here at the business with him."

According to reporter Danielle Dindak, the fire marshal stated that all three of the deceased individuals were believed to work for the auto shop. The cause of the explosion is reportedly still being investigated.

"Thank you to all surrounding agencies, our community, and local businesses for their support and assistance with our fire this afternoon," Paint Creek Joint EMS & Fire District said in a statement. "Your kindness and generosity are greatly appreciated."

Hillsboro Mayor Justin Harsha also gave a statement and said that "the Hillsboro community has always proven that it will stand united, be strong and support one another in times of need."

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