2 injured in explosion at apartment complex in Oak Forest
CHICAGO (CBS)-- Two people were injured in an explosion at an apartment complex in south suburban Oak Forest Tuesday night.
Police and fire departments responded to a fire at a one-story complex, in the 5100 block of 160th Street, just after 7 p.m.
Emergency responders found two people with serious injuries.
According to police, the damage was caused by an explosion "of unknown origins within the unit."
A neighbor told CBS 2 he was shaken awake by what he believes to be an explosion. When he went outside, he said he saw flames bursting out of the windows.
The neighbor, Reggie Odell, told CBS 2 he found at least two sticks of dynamite near a car close to the scene.
"I went outside to look at the car 'cause I thought it could have blown up and I looked on the ground and found a stick with a wick on it. I say this is dynamite," he said.
Odell added that no matter what authorities find, the incident is concerning in a family neighborhood and he hopes to send a message to anyone watching: don't use explosives.
"I hope it becomes an eye-opener as we get ready to celebrate the Fourth of July," he said. "To think about the impact it has on communities, other people, seniors, veterans and so forth."
Power to the building has been shut off and residents were asked to evacuate. It's unclear when they'll be allowed back into their homes.
Oak Forest Police and Fire Departments are working with the Illinois State Fire Marshall and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms to investigate exactly what happened.
