An explosion on Saturday in the western suburbs of Addison, resulting from a truck crash, has been determined as an accident, according to Addison police. The incident happened around 8:40 a.m. on Wood Dale Road, leading to its closure north of Lake Street. The Chicago Sun-Times reports that a propane tank, leaked into the vehicle causing the explosion, which injured the driver and damaged several homes.
Although initial reports described the vehicle as a flatbed truck, later clarifications indicated it was a box truck owned by Penske Truck Rental, this, according to Addison officials. The driver, whose details were not disclosed, sustained minor injuries. In response to the event, Penske spokesperson has been quoted by WGN-TV stating, "Our security and insurance team will be reviewing the matter. Under Penske’s rental agreement, explosive, flammable or otherwise hazardous materials should not be transported in a consumer rental moving truck."
The Addison police teamed up with the DuPage County Bomb Squad and the ATF to investigate the incident. They have ruled out any suspicious activity around the explosion and maintain it was purely accidental. Four homes were reported damaged due to the explosion. Cleanup operations are currently underway at the scene of the incident.
Motorists and the public have been advised to avoid the area to facilitate the on-going cleanup operations. Officials expected the road closure to last a few hours as reported, around 12:30 p.m. by WGN-TV. The authorities have reassured that there is no further danger to the public following the initial explosion and resultant damage.
