Excerpts from cbsnews.com:
An explosion at a four-story apartment building on West End Avenue in South Austin left eight people injured early Tuesday morning. The incident occurred around 9 a.m. at 5601 W. West End Ave, and emergency crews rushed to the scene. Ten ambulances were dispatched, with at least eight individuals taken to local hospitals for treatment.
Among the injured, a man and a woman were transported to Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood. Three others—two men and a woman—were taken to Mount Sinai Hospital. A female patient was admitted to West Suburban Medical Center in Oak Park, while two males were sent to Stroger Hospital of Cook County. Notably, one of the injured was across the street at the time of the blast.
Firefighters arrived on the scene to reinforce the building’s structure, allowing for a thorough search. The final inspection confirmed that all residents had safely evacuated. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the explosion, and no immediate connection to gas or equipment has been found.
The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, along with the Chicago Police Department Bomb Unit, were on-site to assist with the investigation. The blast occurred on the top floor of the building, on its eastern side, sending bricks and debris into the street and damaging at least three cars. One rooftop collapsed, and several windows were shattered.
Building records reveal that the property has had a history of violations. Since 2010, it has failed 12 inspections, including citations in 2017 and 2018 for failing to maintain working smoke detectors. In 2020, another violation involved a gas appliance not properly connected to a vent. However, after an administrative hearing, a follow-up inspection confirmed that all issues had been resolved.
As the investigation continues, residents remain concerned about the safety of the building and the potential risks associated with its long-standing code violations. Local officials have urged caution and are working closely with emergency services to ensure public safety.
Thanks, Martin
Taizhou Tianma Plastic Products Co. LTD , https://www.tmepp.com