Donations Pour in for Family that Lost Home in Gas Explosion

HOMER GLEN, IL — Community members are rallying around a Homer Glen family whose home was leveled in a gas explosion Thursday.

Nicor is still investigating what caused the explosion at 142nd and Parker Road just after 4 p.m. Thursday. More than a dozen homes were evacuated as firefighters battled the ensuing blaze and Nicor worked to cap the leak.

Crews arrived on-scene around 2:30 p.m., shortly after residents had reported smelling gas in the air. The home exploded as public safety officials were going door-to-door to ask people to leave their homes. An automated call was then issued around 4:30 p.m. telling people to evacuate immediately, and as of 10:28 p.m., the gas leak had been capped.

A father and daughter who were inside the home at the time of the explosion suffered burn injuries and were taken to Silver Cross Hospital. They were later airlifted to a burn unit at Loyola University Medical Hospital. The Village of Homer Glen has established a Go Fund Me Account in their name. As of 3 p.m., donations neared the $30,000 mark.

Local business Jean Marie Salon and Spa, 14907 Founders Xing, is also accepting help for the family, serving as a drop-spot for clothing donations. Clothing information includes:

• Mom: Size medium or 10. Size 7 in normal shoes, 8 in gym shoes.
• Dad: Pant size 34x30, size 9 for shoes, size large for shirts
• Daughter: Size small or extra small in juniors, or size 3. Shoe size 7.

House of Music in Homer Glen, where the daughter was a student, will hold a Rockin' for Relief benefit Sunday, Dec. 18. The fundraiser will be held at Sullivan's, 4660 147th St, in Midlothian, from 12 to 9 p.m. A $10 cover charge will include a buffet. Raffles, split the pot, and live entertainment will also be part of the event.

United Way of Will County (815-723-2500) has also established a Disaster Relief Fund to help families affected by the home explosion and gas leak that occurred on December 15. All funds will go directly to benefit individuals and families who are affected.

If you are interested in donating, please send a check to: United Way of Will County54 N. Ottawa Street Suite 300, Joliet, IL 60432

In the memo section of the check, please include the following to ensure that the donation is diverted directly to the affected Homer Glen residents. United Way of Will County/Homer Glen Disaster Relief