A massive explosion and fire occurred near Rockton, Illinois, Monday morning at a local chemical plant, authorities reported.
Large flames and heavy smoke filled the air near the plant just before the Rockton Fire Department imposed a mandatory evacuation order for parts of the area, which remains in effect. The order impacts all residents and businesses within a 1-mile radius of the plant, which is owned by Chemtool. Drivers are also advised to avoid the area.
Chemtool said the fire started at approximately 7 a.m. Monday. The company confirmed all employees on-site were safe and accounted for, noting the top concern is the safety of employees and the surrounding community.
SEVEN INJURED IN BLAST AT COLORADO STEEL MILL
HAPPENING NOW – Massive fire, multiple explosions at #Chemtool (one of the largest grease manufacturers) in Rockton, Illinoispic.twitter.com/ZdZmZVyX8u
— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) June 14, 2021
“We do not yet know what caused this incident, but we will be working with local authorities and with our own risk management team to determine what happened and identify any corrective actions. We will share more details as they are known,” Chemtool added.
A neighbor who lives close to the plant said he was at work when the flames ignited.
“The center of this plume of smoke is dead-center where my property is,” the neighbor said. “The chemicals that go into that building all day long. … I have no idea what’s going to happen to the neighborhood.”
Local authorities did not release any injury or death reports.
The company manufactures lubricants, fluids, and grease products. It was reported authorities were evacuating the surrounding area due to concerns of possible dangerous chemicals being released in the large fire and plumes of dark smoke.
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Chemtool has had no compliance violations in the past three years, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency database.
The Washington Examiner contacted the Rockton Police Department but did not immediately receive a response.
