Cleanup continues after Woodstock house explosion

WOODSTOCK, Ill. - Cleanup was underway Tuesday afternoon after a home exploded in Woodstock Monday.

Just before 1:30 p.m. Monday, authorities responded to a major gas leak in the area of Tyron Street and Lincoln Avenue, according to the Woodstock Fire and Rescue District. A home, located at 321 Lincoln Avenue, exploded and collapsed a short time later. 

Residents say crews were repairing a sewer line, and then they smelled a strong gas odor.

"It was crews from the city they told us they hit a gas line, so they told us to open up the windows and go outside," said Robby Roewer, a neighbor.

Not too long after, a loud boom was felt and heard. Debris from the house explosion was scattered all over the neighborhood.

"I was devastated because I thought maybe it was my house," said neighbor Michael Barkey.

In the end, three homes were destroyed, multiple buildings were damaged and at least 22 families were displaced.

"My girlfriend's house, she has two babies," said Raquel Baldwin. "The house next to hers blew up. Her babies were crying so loud it was heartbreaking."

A dog was killed in the explosion. No people were injured. 

Multiple GoFundMe pages are now established for three families that lost everything, including the Bosowski’s whose two dogs were badly burned. Their cat remains missing.

Authorities continue to assess the damage and investigate.