Building explosion, collapses in Chicago, at least 8 hospitalized

Eight injured after building explodes on Chicago’s West Side – Chicago Tribune

Several people have been taken to hospitals following an explosion at a building in Chicago on Tuesday morning.

According to Chicago Fire, at least three of them are in serious to critical condition. At this time, the source of the explosion is unknown and the ATF and the Chicago Police bomb squad are on the scene to assist.

A brief press conference held by Deputy Fire Commissioner Marc Ferman did not provide further details about the victims’ conditions, but Ferman said the injuries ranged from “burns to traumatic injuries.”

The first fire companies arrived around 9 a.m. As a result of an explosion and partial collapse of an upper floor of a residential building, Ferman said the first unit to arrive, a battalion chief, requested a collapse response. Ferman said the battalion chief also requested a hazardous materials response.

Ferman said authorities had to conduct a “technical search” of the building due to its condition. Rescue personnel searched for victims and removed debris on the upper floor after the structure was deemed “compromised.” Tech experts supported the structure with struts to ensure safety.

Ferman said officials were “confident” they had gotten everyone out of the building, but the search continued. A number of residents have been displaced, he added, but it’s unclear how many.

Approximately 135 personnel from fire suppression, special operations, and EMS responded to the scene. There were also representatives from the gas, water, and electric utilities on hand, Ferman said.

For more coverage on this story, check the following additional news sources:

  1. Eight injured after building explodes on Chicago’s West Side  Chicago Tribune
  2. Chicago Fire Department calls for ‘mass casualty bus’ after explosion at residential building  Fox News
  3. At least 8 taken to hospitals after a Chicago building explosion  CNN
  4. 8 hospitalized after South Austin building explosion  WGN TV Chicago
  5. Firefighters respond to Chicago building explosion; several people injured  CBS News