Explosion in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood injured at least eight people, nearby building collapses

Chicago, Ill. – At least eight people were hospitalized Tuesday morning after an explosion and building collapse in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood prompted a large emergency response, traffic closures, and several evacuations as officials looked for anyone who may have been trapped beneath the wreckage.

At least three persons are considered to be in critical condition, while five others are in stable condition, according to fire officials. According to fire officials, all of the victims were sent to various hospitals throughout the city with injuries ranging from burns to traumatic injuries.

The collapse occurred shortly after 9 a.m. on Tuesday at West Washington Boulevard and North Central Avenue, according to tweets from fire authorities.

The department said that an explosion near North Central Avenue and West End Avenue caused a residential building’s upper story to partially collapse.

A building collapsed Tuesday morning on Chicago’s West Side after an explosion occurred nearby, and fire officials requested the assistance of a mass casualty ambulance-bus after several injuries were confirmed and a search continued for persons who may still be inside the building.

More than 130 emergency personnel were dispatched to the location, and officials from the fire department stated that they did not believe any other people were trapped.

“At this time, we are sure that everyone has been rescued,” stated Marc Ferman, deputy fire commissioner of the Chicago Fire Department.

The cause of the explosion was not immediately understood, but an investigation was ongoing, according to fire officials. Peoples Gas and ComEd both said they were responding to the scene, but it was unclear whether or not gas was involved.

The explosion displaced an undetermined number of residents, and neighbouring buildings were evacuated.

Ronald Martin, a longtime resident of the building, told NBC 5 that the explosion, which was accompanied by doors opening and windows smashing, was “insane.” “As I was preparing for work and cooking breakfast on a typical morning, the power suddenly shut off.”

Urban Alternatives manages the property on behalf of West End LLC.

The owner of the building, Roman Viere, stated in a statement, “This is a tragic occurrence, and we are heartbroken for all of our residents.” “The health, well-being, and safety of our residents are our top priority. We are doing everything possible to collaborate with emergency services, and we are prepared to assist our citizens in every way possible.”

Mayor of Chicago Lori Lightfoot tweeted that her sympathies were with the injured and the responding firemen.

“Those injured and displaced by the building collapse in the Austin area are in my thoughts. We must also congratulate the courageous Chicago Fire Department personnel who are striving to alleviate the dangerous situation “She wrote the text.

Due to the event, Central Avenue was closed in both directions between Madison and Lake Streets.