AUSTINTOWN, Ohio (WOIO) - An explosion rocked the Phoenix House Apartments in Mahoning County Saturday afternoon, blowing out the northeast corner of the senior and disabled independent living complex.

According to Austintown Fire, the explosion happened on Meridian Road and injured at least 10 people.

The blast was so powerful it exposed residents' living spaces, with furniture and appliances scattered by the impact.

Robert Brainard was inside his apartment when the explosion occurred.

"I heard a loud explosion. I felt my AC and TV went down because it was a shake and I heard a little boom," Brainard said.

Firefighters immediately began searching through debris to ensure all residents were safely evacuated from the seven-story building.

One person was rescued by firefighters using a ladder, while others were assisted out of the building.

"There were many people that were assisted out. One resident was assisted down the ladder," said Tom O'Hara, Austintown's assistant fire chief.

O'Hara said the evacuation was challenging but successful.

"Initially it was a very daunting task. Our guys did a fabulous job getting into the building and guiding people out of the building," O'Hara said.

The explosion ignited several small fires on the fourth floor of the building. The third floor also sustained serious damage from the blast.

Approximately 120 people were in the building when the explosion happened.

Residents were evacuated to a local elementary school where the Red Cross provided assistance with temporary housing, food and other necessities.

The cause of the explosion remains unclear. When asked if gas could have been involved, O'Hara said it was too early to determine the cause.

The state fire marshal has been called in to help investigate the cause of the explosion.