One of two men who were making a pipe bomb was critically hurt when the device exploded, police told the Northwest Herald.
The explosion happened Saturday around 6:30 p.m. in a barn in Ingleside, according to the paper.
The injured men were identified as Kristopher Carlson, 20, and Frank Dumelle, 19. Lake County sheriff's police said they do not believe the men were involved in any kind of terrorist group, but "were just some kids experimenting."
“Carlson took the brunt in the face and chest. He has major facial and chest injuries,’’ Lake County Sheriff’s police Sgt. Timothy Jonites said. “He was in pretty bad shape; he had a lot of shrapnel to the face.’’
Both were rushed to Centegra Northern Illinois Medical Center in McHenry but then transferred to the burn unit at Rockford Memorial Hospital in Rockford. As of last night, Carlson remained in critical condition, and Dumelle, of Round Lake, was in serious condition, police said.
Carlson’s grandfather owns a house on the property, where a family tree service business is also located.
The sergeant said the victims may have been preparing to make a bonfire with other friends when it occurred. They do not have a history of doing anything similar, and they have not been charged with anything as of Sunday afternoon.
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“I don’t think they are terrorists or a domestic threat,’’ Jonites said. “They were not making these to harm anyone.’’
No charges have been filed. Sheriff's police continue to investigate.
