CRESTWOOD — A southwest suburban Crestwood neighborhood was rocked Thursday afternoon by a devastating house explosion that left one man presumed dead and surrounding residents in shock. Officials say a natural gas leak may have triggered the deadly blast, which obliterated a home and rattled nearby blocks.
Man Presumed Dead After Sudden Blast
Crestwood Fire Chief Jonathan Newton confirmed that emergency crews responded to the 14100 block of South Kenneth Court shortly after 2 p.m. following reports of an explosion and fire. Upon arrival, responders found the home reduced to rubble, with smoke and flames pouring from the remains.
The resident — a 76-year-old man who lived alone — is believed to have been inside at the time of the explosion. Newton said rescue operations have now shifted to a recovery effort.
“He was an older guy who lived by himself,” neighbor Tom Andersen said. “Poor guy.”
Scene of Devastation and Chaos
Aerial footage from CBS SkyWatch showed the destroyed home surrounded by scattered debris, with fragments littering nearby lawns, driveways, and rooftops. Cell phone videos captured by neighbors showed flames erupting from the wreckage, with some structures nearby scorched by the heat.
“I thought something fell on my roof,” said neighbor Donna O’Keefe. “My house just kind of shook — out and in.”
“It went kaboom!” Andersen added. “A loud explosion.”
Authorities believe the house was leveled almost instantly. A fence separating the home from the neighboring property was knocked over, and at least one adjacent structure suffered exterior damage. Fire officials stated that while the adjacent home is repairable, entering the collapsed property was too dangerous.
“The main thing — we don’t want anybody hurt,” Chief Newton emphasized. “What’s left of the basement is too dangerous for our people.”
Recovery and Investigation Underway
An excavator was brought in to safely remove debris and aid in the search for the homeowner’s body. By 4 p.m., firefighters had extinguished all remaining hotspots, and no more smoke rose from the destroyed structure.
Neighbors described the man as a longtime Crestwood resident who had lived in the home since the early 1990s. The suddenness of the tragedy left many shaken.
“My prayers go out to the family,” said O’Keefe. “You’re here one second, you’re gone the next. It was that fast.”
While all evidence currently points to a gas explosion, Newton stated the official cause remains under investigation. Utility company Nicor was on the scene, shutting off gas to the affected home and inspecting nearby lines to ensure there were no further threats.
“That was one of the concerns I had,” O’Keefe said. “If his house blew up, what about our houses?”
Federal Authorities Join Probe
The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is assisting in the investigation, and officials are expected to release more information as the inquiry progresses. Crestwood residents are being urged to remain alert and report any unusual gas smells or structural changes near their homes.
Have you experienced or reported a gas leak in your neighborhood recently? Share your story or concerns in the comments at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
