3 dead, 1 hospitalized after explosion at Ohio auto shop

HILLSBORO, Ohio (WXIX/Gray News) - Three people were killed and one hospitalized after a large explosion and fire at an auto shop in Ohio on Tuesday, officials said.

WXIX reports Highland County dispatch said the fire started around 4 p.m. at Jimbo’s Auto Shop on 502 S. High St. in the Hillsboro area. Black smoke from the explosion and fire could be seen for miles as the blaze fully engulfed the building.

Fire crews had to rescue those inside, and they were seen loading a man into an ambulance. Paint Creek Joint EMS/Fire Chief David Manning said the victim who was taken to the hospital is in stable condition.

The fire chief said crews felt the force of the explosion from as far as four blocks away at their firehouse.

While crews worked the scene, three people were reported missing. Officials later confirmed those individuals died in the blaze.

The identities of the people have not yet been released. Officials said they will undergo autopsies at the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office.

Authorities have not yet released information on what caused the fire.

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