'It's Nothing Short of a Miracle' No One Died in Marengo House Explosion

MARENGO, IL - Officials in McHenry County are warning those affected by a home explosion, which has damaged more than 50 homes in Marengo, to watch out for scammers. In the aftermath of the explosion, residents in Marengo have reported solicitors going door-to-door, offering to help repair their homes. Officials said these solicitors may be trying to take advantage of the dozens of people affected when a home exploded and caught fire at 4:50 a.m. Sunday.

Meanwhile, officials have released more into the massive explosion that rocked the Marengo neighborhood early Sunday. More than 50 homes were impacted by the explosion and two people were taken to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Of the homes affected, 19 are currently uninhabitable and two were completely destroyed.

"I just got back from the scene of the explosion. It's nothing short of a miracle that no lives were lost and I am so moved by the everyday heroes who risked their own lives to save their neighbors," said McHenry County Board Chairman Jack Franks in a statement Sunday evening.

After the home exploded in the 500 block of 7th Avenue in Marengo, it then caught on fire. As of early Sunday afternoon, the blaze was contained but fire damage has been reported at four homes.

William Trecker lives near 7th Ave and East St. and said the explosion a couple houses down from where he lives woke him early Sunday, the Northwest Herald reports.

"It was a huge explosion, I thought somebody hit the house," Trecker told the newspaper. "Somebody told me to call 911 so I called 911. Some smoke started coming up and the house was completely engulfed. I saw three houses come down.

The home's owners were on vacation at the time of the explosion, WGN TV is reporting. A gas leak is believed to be the cause of the explosion but that is still under investigation. Foul play is not suspected, according to media reports.

Meanwhile, utility companies have been called to the scene and are continuing assessments in Marengo. As of Sunday afternoon, 136 ComEd customers are without power because of the explosion. The McHenry County Building Department along with building inspectors from surrounding municipalities are currently conducting damage assessments on the impacted homes, according to the news release.

A total damage estimate from the incident is not currently available, the Northwest Herald reports.

“We haven’t grasped that,” Marengo Fire Chief Bob Bradbury told the Northwest Herald. “We have a crew of building inspectors going around right now looking at the damages.”

On Sunday, as temps hit 90, Marengo High School opened its doors to serve as a cooling station for families and pets displaced by the home explosion. The Salvation Army, Red Cross, and M.E.S.S. also responded to assist with the displaced residents.

"Red Cross volunteers are providing immediate disaster relief—including food and emotional support—for all families affected by the disaster," according to a statement Sunday from the American Red Cross.

Displaced residents are asked to contact the City of Marengo at updates@cityofmarengo.com or 815-703-9707 to provide their names, address, and phone number. Updated information will also be posted on the City’s website, www.cityofmareno.com, and Facebook page. This way city officials can keep them updated on when they can return to their homes.

The Illinois State Fire Marshall is on scene investigating.

This is a developing story. Patch will update with more information as it becomes available.