1 dead after building explosion and fire in Oakwood Village

OAKWOOD VILLAGE, Ohio (WOIO) - According to Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office website, 46-year-old Steven Mullins of North Ridgeville is listed as a victim of the Oakwood Village fire, and explosion that occurred Monday afternoon.

Multiple fire departments were called to the scene of a building fire and explosion. around 2:15 p.m. Monday at the I Schumann & Co. in the 22500 block of Alexander Road in Oakwood Village.

13 people, mostly with burn injuries were transported to area hospitals one of those was transported by life flight from the incident, according to Oakwood Village Fire Capt. Brian Dirocco.

I. Schumann and Co. had this to say about the incident:

“An explosion of unknown origin struck our Bedford, Ohio facility today resulting in injuries to employees and significant damage to the facility. Our efforts now are focused on supporting the first responders who came on scene quickly to help our employees. The safety and health of our employees is our top priority and we commit to ensuring they receive the medical care they need. We will work alongside investigators in their search for answers as part of our commitment to Northeast Ohio where we have been operating for more than 100 years. Our thoughts and prayers are with our team members and their families at this difficult time.”

Police told nearby businesses to shelter in place.

There are reports of debris everywhere.

Employees at Rose Colored Gaming, located across the street from the I Schumann & Co., told 19 News debris from the explosion damaged cars in their parking lot and hit the roof of their building.

“Looks like a volcano erupted,” said a Rose Colored Gaming employee.

Construction worker Nathan Vapenik was working at a construction site next door to the explosion when it happened and sent 19 News the below picture.

Vapenik said there was no damage to the construction site, but they saw a few tanks fly a couple hundred feet in the air and they felt the shockwave from the explosion.

Smoke could be seen from the explosion miles away.

This is a developing story. Return to 19 News for updates.

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