A reported explosion and chemical fire injured two people and prompted a HazMat response on Chicago's Southwest Side Thursday evening, according to fire officials.
The incident occurred at a global metal handling company in the 2900 block of W 31st St in the city's Little Village neighborhood around 7 p.m., according to the Chicago Fire Department.
One employee of the company was injured and taken to Stroger Hospital in fair condition, authorities said. One firefighter sustained minor facial burns and was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, according to fire officials.
Crews were waiting on special fire extinguishers to put out a chemical fire, the Fire Department tweeted shortly after 7:30 p.m. They then requested sand to dampen and apply to burning metal.
Further details on the cause of the fire or extent of damage was not immediately clear.
Check back for updates on this developing story.
