LENOX TOWNSHIP —
The Ohio Division of State Fire Marshal has ruled the Thursday house explosion on Black Sea Road was arson, said Matt Mullins, office spokesman.
A massive explosion leveled the home of Jeffrey A. Lampman, of 3107 Black Sea Road, around 7 a.m. Lampman was seen walking around the scene after driving his car about 35 yards to the road. His car was covered with debris, and a witness said part of the front of it melted.
Lampman was transported to Ashtabula County Medical Center and then transferred to Cleveland MetroHealth Center for treatment of facial and eye injuries.
The blast destroyed the home, leaving a pile of rubble. It also shook a good part of the township and damaged neighboring houses.
Mullins said the investigation into the explosion is continuing in cooperation with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. He said he couldn’t comment further on any specifics regarding the explosion.
Kim Riddell, a special agent for the ATF, affirmed the arson but declined to comment further.
“Since it’s an ongoing criminal investigation, that is all I can say,” she said.
An Associated Press report indicates no arrest or arrests have been made and no suspect or have been identified.
Neighbors reported hearing hissing, spitting sounds emanating from the scene of the main explosion.
Jefferson and Dorset fire departments responded to the explosion and found the building leveled.
“There was very little flame when we arrived on the scene,” Capt. Dave Locy of the Jefferson Fire Department said the day of the explosion.
Local News
State fire marshal rules Lenox explosion was arson
No arrests have been made in ongoing criminal investigation
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