DIXON, Ill. (WBBM Newsradio) – A home explosion in northwestern Illinois injured one person and forced hundreds of residents to evacuate Monday morning after authorities detected elevated gas levels throughout a manufactured home community.
The explosion happened around 6 a.m. in the 1500 block of Estates Road in the Chateau Estates community in Dixon, according to police.
One person inside the home suffered significant injuries and was taken to a hospital. Authorities did not immediately release information about the person's condition.
Following the explosion, emergency crews evacuated the entire Chateau Estates community because of what police described as elevated gas levels throughout the neighborhood. The evacuation affected all 106 homes in the community, with an estimated 300 to 400 residents asked to leave.
An emergency shelter was established at Reagan Middle School for displaced residents.
Police also urged the public to avoid the area while emergency crews worked to secure the scene. Anchor Road between Illinois Routes 38 and 52 was closed during the response.
Nicor Gas responded to assist with the incident. Authorities later said they expected residents to return home Monday afternoon, although gas service had to be restored individually at each residence. Residents needed to be present while Nicor crews relit gas service at their homes.
The cause of the explosion remains under investigation.
