Explosion 'Instantly Leveled' Home In Woodstock; 9 Buildings Damaged

WOODSTOCK, IL — One home was leveled and nine other buildings, including a church and school, were damaged following gas leak, explosion and fires in Woodstock Monday afternoon, authorities said.

Fire crews with the Woodstock Fire/Rescue District first responded to the area of North Tryon Street and Lincoln Street at 12:35 p.m. Monday after the smell of natural gas was detected in the area, according to a news release from the fire protection district. Firefighters determined the leak occurred when a contracted worker struck a two-inch gas main inside a sewer line.

At that time, authorities evacuated a nearby church and advised homeowners to shelter in place while Nicor worked to assess the issue and fix the leak, according to the news release.

At about 2:40 p.m., a two-story home in the 200 block of Lincoln Avenue exploded. The explosions "instantly leveled" the home and led to fires in several nearby structures, according to the news release. An adjacent home sustained significant fire damage and eight other buildings, including a church and school, were damaged.

No major injuries have been reported but two firefighters were transported to local hospitals for treatment of minor injuries, according to the news release.

All displaced residents are receiving assistance from the American Red Cross.

Several homes are without power and gas services, officials said.

City officials said the gas leak is contained and the gas has been shut off but NICOR is advising residents to check with the Woodstock Fire/Rescue District and NICOR gas personnel to make sure their homes have been cleared to re-enter.

The cause of the explosion remains under investigation.

This is a developing story. Check back for more details.