Hundreds Evacuate After Explosion At Manufactured Home Community In Northern IL

DIXON, IL — An explosion Monday at a manufactured home in Dixon injured one and forced hundreds to evacuate, authorities said.

Emergency personnel responded around 6 a.m. to the 1500 block of Estates Road in the Chateau Estates manufactured home community, according to city authorities. One person was inside the residence at the time of the blast, authorities said, adding the person suffered significant injuries and was taken to OSF St. Katharine Medical Center.

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Elevated gas levels in the community forced the evacuation of an estimated 300-400 residents across over 100 addresses, according to authorities.

An emergency shelter was established at Reagan Middle School, with the Salvation Army on site, authorities said. People were asked to avoid Chateau Estates, according to authorities, who added that Anchor Road was closed between Routes 38 and 52.

The cause of the explosion was under investigation and Nicor Gas was on scene assisting with gas monitoring and safety operations, authorities said.

Residents were expected to be cleared to return to their homes late Monday afternoon, according to authorities.