Youngstown, Ohio – The family of a man who tragically lost his life in an explosion in downtown Youngstown has filed a lawsuit against the building owner, property management company, and gas company. The lawsuit, filed in Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas by Traesha Pritchard and Sharnette Crite-Evans, the sister and mother of 27-year-old Akil Drake, seeks justice for their loved one.
Drake was working at the JP Morgan Chase bank within the Realty Building when the explosion occurred. The National Transportation Safety Board is actively investigating the cause behind the blast, noting that a cut gas line was discovered in the basement area where workers were present prior to the incident. While the line was pressurized, it was not servicing the building at that time.
Preliminary findings from the NTSB are expected within 30 days, with a final report potentially taking up to 24 months. Documents obtained through a public records request revealed that the property development and management company hired to remove utility lines from the building was Greenheart Companies. The work was part of preparations for the city’s SMART2 project to update public transportation.
The lawsuit alleges negligence on the part of those involved in the utility work, claiming that the property owner and management company were aware of the potential dangers but failed to ensure the safety of those on site. It also raises concerns about the gas company’s failure to provide adequate information to contractors working with pressurized lines.
The legal action seeks compensation for Drake’s loss, medical and funeral expenses, as well as damages for pain and suffering. Representatives for Yo Properties, LLC and Enbridge Gas Ohio declined to comment on the ongoing litigation, expressing condolences to Drake’s family instead. The lawsuit aims to hold all responsible parties accountable for the devastating loss of life and the subsequent impact on the victim’s loved ones.