ELLWOOD CITY, Pa. - 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 to find no fire, but a pile of rubble sitting where part of the building once stood.

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

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

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