Explosion, fire at petroleum plant near Lemont leaves 1 dead, 1 injured
LEMONT, Ill. (CBS) -- One person is dead after an explosion and fire at a petroleum plant in unincorporated Lemont in the southwest suburbs.
Around 9:30 a.m., there was an explosion at the Seneca Petroleum plant at 12640 New Ave. in unincorporated Lemont, according to the Will County Sheriff's Office. An asphalt tank on the property apparently exploded, according to the sheriff's office.
Chopper 2 was over the scene and spotted the lid of one of the tanks appeared to be gone as a result of the blast.
One person has died, and another person was taken to Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, according to the sheriff's office. The second person's condition was not immediately available.
The Will County Coroner's Office said the worker who died was Dru A. Worker, a 25-year-old Homewood, Illinois, resident. He was pronounced dead at 11:05 a.m. at the plant. An autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday.
By 11 a.m., the fire was under control, and sheriff's office officials said there was no hazardous materials situation or any danger to the public.
Romeoville Police said they were assisting Will County officials with traffic control in the area. Northbound New Avenue and High Road both were closed at 135th Street during the fire.
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration was called to the scene. The sheriff's office said ComEd also was notified of a power line that came down as a result of the explosion.
In the wake of Tuesday's incident, those living in the area grew concerned.
"If it happens once, I do believe it could happen again," said resident Manuel Mata. "Maybe they should take care of it more seriously."
Meanwhile, the metaphorical shockwaves of the explosion were felt back in south suburban Homewood, where Worker lived.
Neighbors said Worker spent months remodeling his Homewood house – putting in sweat and long hours.
"Inside and out - just did his yard. He did everything. He did all that by himself. He's a hardworking young man," said neighbor Victor Cain. "I can't believe – we're still, we're devastated. I just can't believe it."
"It just seems unfair that such a young life was lost so unexpectedly," said neighbor Kate Manaher.
A search of national and state databases for any violations by Seneca Petroleum violations revealed an Illinois EPA consent order related to the dumping of chemicals which contaminated the soil and groundwater. The company was fined $47,500 and ordered to clean up the site. That remediation was finished in the fall of 2021.
The Lemont Fire District said damage estimates were not available as of Tuesday afternoon and the incident remains under investigation.
As that investigation continues, neighbors of Worker who considered him a friend are thinking of a kind soul gone too soon.
"We really, really cared for him," said Lawrence.
"One day you're here – you think you're just leaving for work - and you're not going to be home," said Manaher.
