A truck that unexpectedly exploded in a suburban Chicago neighborhood over the holiday weekend damaged several homes and injured the driver, authorities said. The incident, which caused significant damage, was confirmed as a result of a leaking propane tank inside the rented Penske box truck. The accident occurred as the truck was traveling on a residential road in Addison, 20 miles west of Chicago.
Investigators in Addison confirmed the incident has been ruled an accident due to a leaking propane tank inside the rental truck. The Fire Protection District and police responded quickly to the scene, where crews found a large debris field with no signs of any fire. The explosion was caught on camera by a Ring device, providing a harrowing glimpse into the moment the accident occurred.
Neighbors and witnesses described the suddenness of the explosion, with one neighbor, Angelo Source, expressing shock at the startling moment. He told WLS-TV that it felt like early fireworks, but the explosion had a much greater impact. The Addison Fire Chief, Brock Herion, noted that the debris field stretched around a block, indicating the immense force of the blast.
The victim, the driver of the truck, was found by first responders and taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The Penske company, which had rented the truck for moving household belongings, stated it will cooperate fully with any further investigation by law enforcement. The company emphasized that their rental agreements prohibit the transport of explosive, flammable, or hazardous materials in consumer trucks.
Preliminary reports indicated the explosion did not cause a fire, which may have mitigated the potential for more severe damage. However, one home was evacuated due to structural damage and the potential for collapse. The incident underscores the importance of adhering to safety protocols when transporting hazardous materials. Officials are continuing to evaluate the circumstances and ensure the safety of residents in the affected area.