Following an explosion on the west side of Chicago on Tuesday morning, at least six persons were evacuated to local hospitals.
Several of the victims are reportedly in severe condition, and the Chicago Fire Department has dispatched 10 more ambulances and a mass casualty unit to the collapse site.
Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and a bomb squad are also there.
The four-story red brick structure is located on West End Avenue in South Austin, Chicago. The explosion occurred just before 9:30 a.m. Central.
Additionally, buildings next to the blast site have been evacuated.
Tuesday morning, Chicago emergency services responded to an explosion in the South Austin area, where bricks were hurled from the roof of a four-story apartment building.
The Chicago Fire Department, ATF agents, and a bomb squad responded to the explosion scene.
As nearby buildings were also evacuated, crimson bricks and rubble covered the area.
A building explosion has occurred on the west side of Chicago. Fire Department on scene seeking five ambulances. SkyCam9 image of the intersection of Washington and Central Avenues: pic.twitter.com/9zoxvklb4U
— Steve Grzanich (@SteveGrzanich) September 20, 2022
Aerial photos of the building explosion on the west side of Chicago that sent at least six people to the hospital.
At least six individuals were evacuated to surrounding hospitals, with three in critical condition.
Roman Viere, the owner of the destroyed building, stated, “Our top priority is the health, well-being, and safety of our people.” We are doing everything possible to collaborate with emergency services and are prepared to do anything to assist our residents.’
Unknown at this time is the cause of the explosion.
Peoples Gas, a natural gas provider for the city of Chicago, states that there is currently no evidence to suggest that the incident was caused by a natural gas explosion.
There are reportedly no gas odors or equipment problems at the explosion site.