Cleveland, OH
5 hospitalized, residents displaced after explosion, fire at apartment building
Five people were hospitalized, and residents were displaced after an explosion led to a devastating fire at an apartment building in Cleveland’s Garden Valley neighborhood, according to the Cleveland Division of Fire.
“We ended up with 22 companies total on scene, so we had a big response,” said Cleveland Fire Lt. Mike Norman.
Now, all that remains are busted windows, a collapsed structure and lost memories for people like Jania Williams.
“I was already homeless before I had stayed down here so this was like a little escape like actually having like a breath of fresh air,” said Williams.
Before Monday’s fire, Williams said she and her son were enjoying the day at the zoo until she received a call from her friend Darnella Garner.
“When I got here, I seen her house on fire and that’s what really put the icing on the cake when I actually seen the flames coming out the roof. I’m like ‘Oh my God,’” said Garner.
Firefighters reported receiving a call around 4 p.m. regarding an explosion at an apartment building near E. 70th Street and Garden Valley Avenue. Upon arrival, they saw a massive hole in the side of the building.
Que Willis said he heard a loud noise and then saw the flames.
“I see like apartments like on fire. I’m talking about four, five apartments blew up,” said Willis.
Five people were transported to a nearby hospital by EMS; their conditions are unknown at this time.
“I don’t have the status on them right now, but I think they are in pretty serious condition,” said Norman.
Two dogs and a cat were also rescued from the building, Cleveland Fire said.
After about two hours of battling the flames, firefighters declared the fire a controlled burn and said they would conduct a third search for victims once the fire is extinguished.
“The challenge with a fire that’s underneath the roof is the roof itself. The roof does what a roof does. It repels the water and keeps the water from hitting the fire,” said Norman.
Cleveland Fire said over 60 firefighters from 22 different companies responded to the fire.
According to the fire department, the fire resulted in a $3.5 million loss. The American Red Cross deployed its Disaster Action Team members, who have established a short-term shelter at the Zelma George Recreation Center, located at 3155 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Cleveland, for those displaced.
“When I got the call about the explosion, I immediately jumped up and came to find out what is going on because we’re going to need some help,” said Councilman Richard Starr.
Monday evening, Cleveland Mayor Justin M. Bibb released the following statement regarding the fire:
This afternoon, a fire broke out in the Garden Valley neighborhood, resulting in significant damage to several homes. The firefighters and first responders worked tirelessly to contain the fire and acted quickly to protect residents and preserve property. We extend our heartfelt concern to those affected by this incident, especially to the individuals who sustained injuries and were transported to the hospital.
The city is actively supporting the situation and is in coordination with local partners to ensure that those impacted receive the necessary support and resources during this challenging time. The American Red Cross also established the Zelma George Recreation Center as a temporary shelter for residents displaced by the fire. The city will continue to coordinate efforts with local organizations to assist those impacted by this tragedy as needed.
The fire is still under investigation, and News 5 is working to learn more.
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CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – A 14-year-old girl is in critical condition after being shot at a home Friday.
Police said around 7:15 p.m., officers from the Fifth District got a call for someone shot in the 1400 block of Lakeview Road.
When officers got on scene, a 14-year-old girl was found suffering from a gunshot wound.
Cleveland EMS took her to a nearby hospital, where she is listed in critical condition
A gun was recovered at the scene.
The incident remains under active investigation.
Police said additional information will be released as it becomes available.
Copyright 2026 WOIO. All rights reserved.
CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – Former co-owner of the legendary Cleveland restaurant Sokolowski’s University Inn has died.
65-year-old Michael Sokolowski passed away on Tuesday, according to his obituary.
Established in Tremont in 1923, Sokolowski’s University Inn was Cleveland’s oldest family-owned and operated restaurant. It was a recipient of the prestigious James Beard “American Classics” Award in 2014. It closed it doors for good in 2020.
Read Obit below
MICHAEL PAUL SOKOLOWSKI, age 65; passed away peacefully on February 24, 2026. Beloved husband of Patricia (nee McCue); loving father of George McDougall (Erika) and Sara; grandfather of Nicole and Emerson; Son of the late Bernard Sr. and Marion (nee Szwejkowski); dear brother of Bernard Jr. (Mary) and Mary Lou Balbier (Ronald); loving brother-in-law, uncle and dear friend of many. Mike was the co-owner of Sokolowski’s University Inn, a Cleveland landmark restaurant since 1923 and a James Beard Award winner. He played baseball and football for Cleveland Central Catholic and graduated from Otterbein University. Michael was a member of the Greater Cleveland Umpire Association, officiating many Cleveland Indians Fantasy Camps. He loved cooking and taught classes at the Polaris Career Center for their community culinary arts program. Mike loved music, attending many concerts, and playing drums in bands and for his parish church masses. Former President of the Cleveland Society of Poles and a member of the Knights of Columbus Trinity Council. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Cleveland Central Catholic High School, 6550 Baxter Ave., Cleveland, OH 44105.
Mass of Christian burial at St. John Cantius Catholic Church, 906 College Ave, Cleveland, Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 12 noon. Interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Family and friends received at the church, Saturday from 10 a.m.-12 noon.
Copyright 2026 WOIO. All rights reserved.
Cleveland, OH
If You Could Put Any Cleveland Baseball Player from the Past on the 2026 Team, Who Would it Be?
We are beginning to see the 2026 roster shape up – now it’s time to get your time machines out.
What Cleveland baseball player from the past would make the biggest impact on the 2026 Cleveland Guardians?
Is it 2017 Francisco Lindor anchoring the team from the shortstop position? Or 1948 Lou Boudreau?
Is it 2002 Jim Thome or 2006 Travis Hafner providing thump in the middle of the lineup? Maybe 1953 Al Rosen gets to DH and spell Jose at third?
Is it 2014 Michael Brantely in right field? 1994 Kenny Lofton in center? 2006 Grady Sizemore in center? 1920 Tris Speaker in center?
1995 Albert Belle providing a shock to the system in left?
Or do you want an ace – maybe 2017 Corey Kluber, 1946 Bob Feller, 2008 CC Sabathia, 1969 Sam McDowell, 1972 Gaylord Perry, 2008 Cliff Lee or 1968 Luis Tiant?
Let us know your choice in the comments below!
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