Home Collapses After Explosion in Hazel Crest

No injuries were reported

An explosion collapsed a home and rattled a suburban neighborhood Sunday morning.

Fire officials said they received reports just after 2 a.m. of an explosion in the 16800 block of Orchard Ridge south suburban Hazel Crest.

The explosion caused a small fire and blew out four outer walls of the home, officials said.

No one was reported to be in the home at the time of the explosion and the gas was turned off immediately after the incident.

"I was just sitting there watching television and next thing you know I heard a boom," said neighbor Corey Coark. "I looked through the kitchen window and I see a ball of fire, I ran to the front door to see what was going on and I looked next door and the whole house was to the ground."

The cause of the fire was not immediately known, but fire officials said there "was a clear smell of gas" at the scene.

Nicor Gas reportedly checked the neighborhood for any potential gas leaks following the explosion, and officials said they do not believe there is a threat to neighbors.

Crews were still working Sunday morning to stabilize the remaining structure and clear debris before beginning their investigation.

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