Car hits cinder block building, causes gas leak in Carlisle Township

ELYRIA, Ohio - Four teenagers were injured when the car they were driving in hit a cinder block building and caused a gas leak Saturday morning.

Troopers from the Ohio State Highway Patrol responded to a car crash on Middle Avenue, north of Butternut Ridge Road, just after 6:30 a.m. Saturday.

A 2005 white Chrysler PT Cruiser was traveling north on Middle Avenue when the driver went over a set of railroad tracks and lost control.

The car struck a ditch, a fence and a cinder block building, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

The cinder block building houses gas lines and the crash caused a severe gas leak.

Crews from Columbia Gas Company were on scene Saturday afternoon. Troopers said the gas leak was contained.

At least one business and a couple homes were evacuated while crews worked to shut off the gas. Everyone has since been let back into their buildings or homes.

The 17-year-old driver of the car was flown to MetroHealth Hospital. The car sustained heavy damage.

Three passengers, a 14-year-old and two 15-year-olds, were also injured. Two of the passengers were taken to Elyria Memorial Hospital; one was flown to MetroHealth.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate. Troopers believe speed was a factor in this crash.