Excerpts from abc7chicago.com:
Authorities have confirmed that a gasoline leak into the water system caused a major explosion and fire at a condominium complex in Willowbrook, a south suburban area. The incident occurred early Friday morning at the Knolls Condominiums, located on Knoll Wood Road in the 6100 block.
Over 10 fire departments responded to the scene, working alongside local emergency services to manage the dangerous situation. Tri-State Fire Protection District officials believe the gasoline originated from a Speedway gas station in neighboring Westmont. It's reported that gasoline is still flowing through the sewer system from Westmont to a water reclamation plant eight miles east.
Emergency crews are currently flushing out the water system and attempting to clear the sewers to release the gasoline fumes. So far, there have been at least 10 explosions, but no serious injuries have been reported. A resident managed to pull a woman out of the building as police and firefighters arrived. She was taken to Loyola Hospital for treatment and is expected to recover fully.
Willowbrook Fire Chief Robert Pavelchik stated that investigators believe either gasoline or another flammable substance had entered the sanitary system. The Environmental Protection Agency and local sanitation officials have been notified. Residents in the area are advised to open windows, turn off all ignition sources, and call 911 if they detect a strong smell of gasoline. However, it's confirmed that people can still use their appliances safely.
At the time of the incident, all electric and gas ignition sources were immediately shut off, and residents were evacuated. But the problem didn’t start on Friday — residents had already reported a gas smell late Thursday night. One resident, Christopher Simmons, shared his experience: “We had to sleep in our front room because our master bedroom bathroom smelled like gas all night. I could smell it everywhere.â€
Simmons expressed frustration with the response: “They couldn’t find the source, and now we’re in the same situation again this morning.†He added, “I think they could have done more than just turn off the alarm and leave.â€
The American Red Cross has been mobilized to assist those displaced by the incident. Residents will not be allowed to return until the cause of the explosion is identified and resolved. In addition to the condo incident, firefighters also responded to a separate fire on 63rd Street in the 300 block later Friday afternoon. They successfully rescued a dog from the burning home, and no one was injured.
Thanks, Scott
Rubber Strip Production Line,Magnet Strip Extruder,Magnetic Strip Extruder,Twin Screw Rubber Extruder
Hebei Shuangda Rubber & Plastic Machinery Co., Ltd. , https://www.shuangdarubber.com