Officials have confirmed that emergency services are responding to an incident at a petroleum chemical plant in Lemont, Illinois following concerns of a probable explosion.
Firefighters were called to the Seneca Petroleum Company at 12460 New Ave. in Lemont, according to officials.
The specifics of what occurred were not immediately known. It was unclear whether any injuries had been recorded.
Injuries reported as emergency responders control explosion at Lemont petroleum chemical plant
The Lemont Fire District issued an alert via their social media accounts at approximately 10 a.m. referring to the ongoing occurrence as an “active incident.” They have urged individuals in the locality to steer clear of the intersection at New Avenue and 127th Street.
Active Incident- Tanker Fire, Avoid 127th & New Avenue https://t.co/5D41OH406Q
— Lemont Fire (@LemontFire1) April 25, 2023
According to Patch, Lemont Police have disclosed that several injuries have been reported. Meanwhile, the Lemont Fire Protection District has stated that the fire has been contained, and all teams are currently addressing the matter at hand.
Aerial photographs captured at the location indicate that one of the silos present on the premises has been severely damaged, with the top portion completely blown off. Emergency response crews have swiftly mobilized to the scene, Mirror reported.
1 dead, another injured after explosion at Lemont chemical plant
ABC7 has reported that as per the Will County Coroner’s Office, at least one individual has lost their life. And another has been transported to Silver Cross Hospital in Joliet, according to WGN-TV.
Unfortunately, no information regarding the patient’s current status is currently available. The public is being advised to stay away from the affected vicinity.
The Will County Sheriff’s Office has stated that preliminary assessments suggest that the blast might have originated from an asphalt tank. As per their statement, there are no imminent hazards to the general public.
In response to the explosion, OSHA and ComEd have been summoned to the location. According to the authorities, the blast caused power lines to fall, WGN-TV reported.
