'Catastrophic' blast levels pub, brewery, former Lawrence County school

Lawrence County authorities are looking for the cause of what they describe as a “catastrophic” explosion at a shopping and office complex in Ellwood City.

The blast destroyed part of the former Walnut Ridge Elementary School building at 600 Mount Vernon Drive overnight.

First responders arrived shortly after midnight to find no fire, but a pile of rubble sitting where part of the building once stood. Seven fire departments responded to the initial call, but most cleared once it was determined no one was in immediate danger and the gas had been turned off.

"When we first arrived on scene, there was still a lot of debris floating in the air and dust. Other than that, it was just chaos. There were people out from their houses walking around. ... Luckily, they were just bystanders," said Ellwood City Fire Chief Rick Myers.

One resident in the area, identified as Evan Westlund, tells 21 News he heard the explosion while he was sleeping and it scared him.

"My house shook. My cabinets were actually open in my house. It's a very quiet neighborhood, so this is a big deal," Westlund said.

The Ellwood City Fire Department, along with Lawrence County PSP, the State Fire Marshal and Columbia Gas are on scene, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has also been notified.

Chief Myers tells 21 News there are no reported injuries.

The road is currently closed as crews work to investigate and clean up the scene. Chief Myers is advising that residents who live near the explosion stay home for now.

"There is only one way in and one way out of this neighborhood, and we understand that. [Crews] are trying to go as fast as they can to try to get everybody back so they can get out, get to work, get to school and do their thing, but right now, please just stay home," Myers said.

Residents will be notified by the borough whenever the road opens.

Since the school closed, the building has been home to several businesses, including the Time Brew Pub, a law office, a fitness center, and a tanning and hair salon.

The majority of the damage was centered at the Brew Pub. 

According to the New Castle News, the school closed in 2011 and the pub and brewery opened in the building's former gym and cafeteria in late 2023.

"Tony [Joseph] has put a lot of work into this place. He put his heart and soul into there. He's got multiple businesses in there that he runs with his family. So to see something like that, that he was just getting up off of his feet and running it, it's tragic for him and his family," Myers said. 

"Anything [Tony] needs, I'm right here. Because he knows I love him and he's my brother," Westlund said.

Authorities don’t believe anyone was in the building at the time.