A shockingly large explosion erupted in Westlake on Thursday, causing those nearby to expect the worst. However, though social media footage from the Crocker Park incident puts the enormity of the fireball firmly into perspective, no injuries at the American Greetings construction site and surrounding areas have been reported. "We are extremely grateful to report only property damage and no injuries," Lisa Schwan, a spokesperson for Crocker Park's developer, tells WKYC. "American Greetings and Crocker Park are working with authorities and more information on the incident will be released as those details become available."
Though the incident is still under investigation, local officials currently believe the culprit of the explosion was a propane tank. According to a post on the North Olmsted Fire Department's Facebook page, a thousand-pound propane tank is believed to have exploded inside the construction zone. The cause of that explosion remains a mystery.
Many residents reported feeling and hearing the explosion as far as a mile away, with one Barnes & Noble employee telling Cleveland Scene that the blast was "pretty crazy" and quite a shock. "This is right outside the gym, I just finished working out and was standing right by the window when it exploded," nearby witness Abby Conway said, according to Inquisitr. "The whole freaking building shook!"
In a statement, American Greetings confirmed the explosion at the site of its "new creative studios" in Crocker Park. Reiterating previous statements from local officials, the company said that everyone was 'safe and accounted for" while thanking authorities for their expertise in handling the situation. At time of publication, the explosion is believed to be entirely contained though caution is advised in surrounding areas, as some roads are likely to remain closed.
