Barge Explodes In Lemont: Fire District

LEMONT, IL — A barge exploded in Lemont Monday morning, the Lemont Fire Protection District said. The district said it received a call for an outside fire along Canal Bank Road at 9:35 a.m. Monday.

While firefighters were in route, they received additional reports of an explosion on a barge. The district said it arrived to find the barge had extensive damage, and had a small fire burning inside.

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The small fire was allowed to burn itself out, and the district said crews remained at the scene to assure there were no other hazards.

Earlier reports stated the barge was carrying propane tanks, but the fire district said that was untrue.

"There were no propane tanks involved at all or anywhere near the incident," the district said.

On social media, residents reported hearing the explosion of the barge, some as far away as Darien and Homer Glen. Residents said their houses shook from the blast and they heard a loud noise.

The barge was empty and was being prepared for cleaning of any residual materials. It had been previously been carrying acetone. The district said the cause of the fire is still being investigated.

No injuries were reported due to the fire, and the Coast Guard also responded to the scene.