Building explosion in Chicago, 9-20-22

**Excerpts from cbsnews.com:** This morning around 9 a.m., a powerful explosion rocked a four-story apartment building located at 5601 W. West End Ave in the South Austin neighborhood. The blast occurred on the top floor of the building’s eastern side, causing significant structural damage. Large chunks of brickwork and debris were scattered across the street, damaging several vehicles parked nearby. Witnesses reported seeing flames and hearing the explosion from blocks away. Emergency responders quickly arrived on the scene, dispatching ten ambulances to transport those injured to nearby hospitals. Eight individuals were confirmed to have been hurt in the incident. Among them, two victims—a man and a woman—were airlifted to Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood. Three others—one man and two women—were taken to Mount Sinai Hospital. Another female victim was transported to West Suburban Medical Center in Oak Park. Two additional men were admitted to Stroger Hospital of Cook County. Remarkably, one of the injured individuals was not inside the building at the time of the explosion but was instead across the street. Firefighters worked diligently to stabilize the structure, ensuring it was safe enough for a thorough search. Authorities later confirmed that everyone inside had managed to evacuate safely. A representative from Peoples Gas stated that the exact cause of the explosion remains under investigation, and there is currently no evidence suggesting the incident is linked to their equipment or gas lines. In support of the ongoing investigation, both the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Chicago Police Department Bomb Unit were present at the scene. Building inspection records reveal a troubling history of neglect; the structure has repeatedly failed inspections since 2010. Recent violations included failing to maintain functional smoke detectors and improperly connecting a gas appliance to a flue or vent. However, after a hearing in early 2020, officials noted that these issues had been resolved. The aftermath of the explosion left the building’s roof partially collapsed, with shattered windows littering the area. Residents and local authorities alike expressed concerns about the safety of older structures in the community. As of now, the cause of the explosion remains undetermined, but investigations continue to unfold. --- **Video Update:** *(Attached below is a video clip showing the aftermath of the explosion.)* *(Thank you, Martin!)*

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