Romeoville Residents Experienced Worse Explosion in 1999

ROMEOVILLE, IL — Up to 25 people were left needing assistance after a natural gas explosion demolished two townhouse units Tuesday in Romeoville, but this isn’t the first home-leveling blast for some residents.

In fact, the April 30, 1999, explosion happened on the same block to the same row of houses, according to a report from CBS Chicago.

“The whole neighborhood blew up,” Lynn Roan said in the article, adding that Tuesday’s blast felt like déjà vu to her.

Labraya Jordan told the Chicago Tribune that when she saw people drilling in the area Tuesday, she feared it would cause another explosion, and even warned them.

“"You shouldn't be digging over there," she reportedly told the workers. "I believe that house is going to go up."

The 1999 blast damaged or destroyed more than 40 homes, according to the report.

Lockport Fire Protection District and the Romeoville Fire Department responded to the Tuesday explosion at around 7:30 p.m. at the intersection of Strawflower Court and Wespark Boulevard in Romeoville. Nicor employees were in the process of repairing a gas leak, which was reported earlier in the afternoon.

According to a report from the Chicago Tribune, the gas leak was caused by drilling done by MetroNet.

"A contractor of MetroNet diligently followed all processes and procedures," a statement from MetroNet said, according to the Tribune. "It coordinated onsite with both the designated locaters and the local utility to identify positioning of gas lines prior to bore activity. This standard procedure is followed to identify gas mains prior to underground burial of utilities; the contractor double checked and was approved to proceed."

The statement went on to say that the contractor struck by an unmarked gas main.

Two townhouse units have been destroyed due to the explosion. No injuries to residents have been reported, but two Nicor workers have been injured. One is in serious condition and the other reportedly has minor injuries, according to the Village.