An explosion on Chicago’s West Side on Thursday caused the partial collapse of a four-story brick apartment building, sending eight people to the hospital. Three of the injured victims were in serious or critical condition, according to the city’s fire department.
Investigators believe the explosion originated on the top floor of the building, but the cause of the explosion is unknown at this time. The blast caused the roof to pancake onto the fourth floor and sent bricks, glass, and debris hurtling into nearby buildings and onto the street, damaging at least three vehicles parked in the area.
One of the injured victims, Anthonella Wims, was hit by debris while standing across the street at a bus stop. Another victim, Donnell Adams, was opening the door to enter the building when the blast occurred, blowing him back about 8 feet, by his estimation.
“It was like raining bricks and windows, seals, and the frames, and everything — just everything raining over me, and like, I could just hear people screaming and calling for help,” Adams said. “But there wasn’t nothing I could do.”
Some 135 firefighters and paramedics responded to the scene to search for victims and help evacuate the building. Ten ambulances were on hand to transport the injured to the hospital. The American Red Cross was dispatched to the scene to provide food and temporary shelter to the affected residents.
In addition, the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Chicago Police Department Bomb Unit responded to assist with the investigation into the explosion.
Gas could be smelled after the explosion, but it has not been determined whether leaking gas was a factor in causing the blast. Peoples Gas has since disconnected the building’s natural gas service, according to CBS News.
Online records show that the apartment building had a history of failed inspections and alleged code violations. However, a representative for Chicago’s Department of Buildings said there are no active enforcement cases concerning the structure at this time.
The building’s owner, Roman Viere, told ABC News that nothing that came up in the city’s inspections had anything to do with the explosion.
Viere said that he has owned the building for the past 20 years, and at the time of the explosion, 31 of the building’s 35 units were inhabited. He said his office is working with all affected tenants to help them secure other housing.
Mayor of Chicago Lori Lightfoot expressed condolences to those injured and displaced due to the incident.
“We also need to extend our gratitude to the courageous men and women of the Chicago Fire Department who are working to alleviate the dangerous conditions,” Lightfoot said.
