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Crocker Park Explosion: 1,000-Gallon Propane Tank Explodes In Westlake, Ohio — Stay Away, Warns Fire Dept. [Video]

By Paula Mooney
Published on: 05:02 PST, Mar 10, 2016

There has been an incredible explosion that happened in Westlake, Ohio. The Crocker Park explosion can be seen in videos like the one below, which might be disturbing to some viewers.

According to the Facebook page of the North Olmsted Firefighters Iaff via WEWS NewsChannel 5 – Cleveland/Akron/Canton, the Crocker Park 8 explosion was due to a 1,000-gallon propane tank that exploded in the construction region of Crocker Park. As a result of the massive Crocker Park explosion, which can be seen in videos that show at least two shooting plumes of fire bursting into a big explosion that carried smoke and fire into the air in a big fireball, folks are being warned to stay away from the area. Some Crocker Park area roads have been closed in the wake of the explosion.

“The explosion that many across the WestShore region felt and heard earlier was a 1,000 gallon propane tank exploding in the construction area at Crocker Park. NOFD has personnel on scene assisting Westlake and other WeShare Fire departments. At this time, they are asking that you stay away from the area and some roads are closed.”

In the videos, construction workers and pedestrians can be seen walking around the Crocker Park area pretty casually at first, even as the seemingly controlled plumes of shooting fire shoots into the sky. However, as the explosion rocks the Crocker Park area buildings, folks can be heard exclaiming, “Oh my God!” Those taping some of the videos drop their recording devices and people can be seen running from the area of the explosion in Crocker Park.

According to the Crocker Park Twitter page @CrockerPark, the area in Westlake, Ohio, which is near Cleveland, offers a charming way for people to unwind with retail store shopping, plenty of eateries, and residential units.

Retail, Dining, and Residential all united in a park-like setting filled with the captivating charm and bustling energy of a traditional downtown main street.

Westlake, OH • crockerpark.com

It is unknown if there are any injuries at this time from the Crocker Park explosion, however, people are filling social media with their reactions to being so close to the Crocker Park explosion.

As seen in the top photo above, customers walk into an Abercrombie & Fitch store at Crocker Park in Westlake, Ohio. The photo was taken on Monday, August 14, 2006 — nearly 10 years before the huge explosion of the propane tank in Crocker Park on Thursday, March 10. Several local news crews are reportedly on the way to the scene of the Crocker Park explosion to uncover more details.

Updates about Crocker Park are pouring into Twitter and Facebook — either under the Crocker Park label or under Westlake.

People like Abby Conway commented on Facebook that the Crocker Park explosion happened right near her gym, and when the explosion went off, it sent such shock waves around Crocker Park that she could feel the building shaking.

“So freakin scary. This is right outside the gym. I just finished working out and was standing right by the window when it exploded. The whole freakin building shook!”

According to WKYC, the Crocker Park explosion happened near the American Greetings construction site, with American Greetings tweeting that as far as they know — everyone is safe — but that hasn’t been confirmed by authorities. Other reports of at least 9 injuries are being discussed on social media.

As noted by Jason Blenner via HazMatIQ on Facebook, the Crocker Park explosion hit too close to home for his sake, and he counts himself among those blessed to be alive.

“I was leaving the parking lot when this exploded I thought my wheels had fallen off lucky to be alive the idiots at Crocker Park hit a gas line last year thankfully no explosion but it’s clear they have no idea what they’re doing building this place.”

[Photo by AP Photo/Mark Duncan]

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