Body found in debris of suspected gas explosion in Cicero

CICERO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - As clean-up was underway following an explosion at a suburban apartment building, officials found a body.

A family was displaced after an explosion and fire in west suburban Cicero Saturday night.

It was originally believed no one was home at the time, but a body was found in the debris.

Fire officials said multiple homes were damaged by the fire that broke out near Cermak and Central around 5 p.m.

Cicero Fire Chief Jeff Penzkofer described the devastation to CBS News Chicago.

“Windows across the street got blown out, there’s I-beams that got blown out, so it’s indicating of a gas explosion,” Penzkofer said.

He said the family of six that lived at the home where the explosion happened were at a wedding at the time.

Neighbor Jeff Scott said everyone else was directed to safety.

“They had the other residents in the neighborhood evacuate,” said Scott.

The chief said firefighters would be at the scene for several hours on Saturday night doing cleanup.

Officials continue to investigate.

WBBM's Rachel Pierson contributed to this report.

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