Explosion, possible ammonia leak evacuates food warehouse near Chicago
CHICAGO -- Evacuations were underway Friday morning after an explosion and possible ammonia leak occurred at a large food supplier facility near Chicago.
CBS Chicago reports Elk Grove Village police confirmed emergency crews were sent just after 7 a.m. to an explosion at Grecian Delights.
Ken Griffin, owner of Pro Finish auto parts store across the street, said the explosion blew off part of the front of the building. Water could be seen flooding the parking lot at Grecian Delights.
Griffin said all of his employees were being evacuated due to concerns about an apparent ammonia leak after the explosion. Ammonia commonly is used in large refrigeration systems used at food warehouses. Griffin said the entire neighborhood near Grecian Delights was also being evacuated.
Elk Grove Village Fire Department officials said they could not immediately provide information on injuries or damage as a result of the explosion.
The cause of the explosion remains under investigation.