3 Injured In 'Accidental Explosion' Caused By Gas Leak: Berwyn PD

BERWYN, IL — Three people were injured after a gas leak started an explosion at a building in Berwyn Tuesday afternoon, said fire Chief Tom Hayes.

Berwyn officials were dispatched to the scene of the explosion on the 3300 block of Oak Park Avenue Tuesday afternoon, fire department officials said.

News helicopter footage of the incident showed explosion aftermath at a building across the street from MacNeal Hospital. Fire crews and first responders were at the scene, where a portion of the building next to Familia Fresh Market is damaged.

MacNeal Hospital officials confirmed the building is leased by them, and is currently empty.

The explosion appeared to be an accident, police officials said in a statement. Several buildings nearby were evacuated, but no one was reported injured at the time. Crews were working to contain a gas leak at the building until late into Tuesday night.

Berwyn officials asked residents to stay away from the area until the gas leak can be contained.

Berwyn's First Ward Alderman Scott Lennon told his constituents on Facebook that power in most of the First Ward has to remain shut off until further notice while emergency personnel work to clean up the area.

Nicor Gas announced they were assisting at the scene.