2 Injured in Illinois Chemical Plant Explosion

Injured taken to Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn and listed in stable condition

Two people were injured Friday morning in an explosion at a chemical plant in south suburban Chicago.

Police officials said the explosion and resulting fire happened just before noon at Blue Island Phenol LLC, at 3550 W. 131st St., in Alsip.

Fire departments from multiple towns responded to the explosion. Smoke could be seen billowing from the plant, and at one point foam was used to douse flames. Firefighters had the fire out by about 2:20 p.m., according to plant manager Bill Moffatt.

Moffatt says a leak of "gas material'" triggered the explosion and fire in an area where perhaps 24 people were working, injuring two of them. The injured were taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn hospital where they were listed in stable condition. Moffatt didn't have any other details.  

There were no area evacuations, but surrounding streets were closed.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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