3 dead, 1 injured after Ohio auto shop explosion; cause is under investigation

Three people are dead and one injured after an explosion led to a massive fire at an Ohio auto shop.

The explosion at Jimbo's Auto Repair in Hillsboro, located between Cincinnati and Columbus, occurred at approximately 4 p.m. Tuesday, officials said.

Paint Creek Joint EMS/Fire Chief David Manning told USA TODAY Wednesday morning that the injured person was taken in the hospital and is in stable condition as of Tuesday night.

Manning said the explosion was strong enough to rattle the fire house a approximately 5 blocks away.

"We could feel it at the firehouse," Manning said.

While he could not recall how long it took to put the fire out, he said it was after midnight by time the scene was cleared and he could go home.

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Videos captured by bystanders show the auto shop engulfed by a bright-red flame under billowing black smoke.

Manning said the identities of the deceased had not been released.

A spokesperson with the Ohio Department of Commerce confirmed Wednesday that the State Fire Marshal’s Fire and Explosion Investigation Bureau is investigating the incident, but the cause is still undetermined.

Manning emphasized gratitude for the multiple emergency agencies in the area that helped with the incident.

"It's really amazing the community support that comes out," Manning said.