Dozens of people returned to their homes Friday morning in southwest suburban Homer Glen, hours after a house explosion and fire, believed to have been caused by a gas leak, forced them to evacuate the area.
A father and daughter were both injured when their home exploded and caught fire after a gas leak, officials confirmed Thursday. More than a dozen homes were evacuated as the area experienced some of the coldest temperatures so far this season.
The fire broke out around 4:30 p.m. near 142nd Street and Parker Road. Nicor Gas spokesman Joe DelReal said the company was working to cap a gas leak in the area but had not yet determined the source.
"Right now we’re working to isolate part of the distribution system at 143rd and Parker," he said at a press conference.
A cloud of smoke and large flames could be seen miles away.
The American Red Cross was on the scene to assist those displaced and affected by the explosion, the relief organization said in a statement.
The mayor of Homer Glen, George Yukich, said there wasn't immediate word of the extent of the burn victims' injuries.
"Our prayers go out to them and their families," he said.
Residents in the area reported being notified of a possible gas leak before the fire broke out. An evacuation within a 2-mile radius of the home was put in place and the Village Hall was being used as an evacuation center, officials said.
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Neighbors reported hearing an explosion just hours after the smell of gas was reported in the area.
"The smell of gas was so strong, it was just unbelievable," said neighbor Lisa Petty.
Sharon Bargiel lives a block away from the scene and said she didn't realize what she'd heard until her husband got home.
"I said no, just look out our bedroom window, and you could see the smoke and plumes coming up," she told NBC 5. "I almost started crying, I was worried someone in the house was hurt."
Todd Fonfara, Northwest Homer Glen's deputy fire chief, said first responders were going door to door checking on residents.
Nicor Gas said Friday that gas service will be restored to the impacted homes later in the day.
“Nicor Gas continues to investigate an explosion that occurred in Homer Glen yesterday afternoon," the company siad in a statement. "Crews have worked diligently to make the necessary repairs to the system. Gas service will be safely restored to all impacted homes later today, and customers are being notified.”
