Woodstock house explodes, family speaks out

WOODSTOCK, Ill. - Crews responded to a home explosion Monday afternoon in northwest suburban Woodstock.

Just before 1:30 p.m., 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. Authorities could not immediately say if anyone was hurt.

Fire crews were working to put out a fire at a residence at 327 Lincoln Avenue, immediately to the west of where the blast occurred.

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. FOX 32 spoke to family members of the homeowner. They say the homeowner was not inside the house at the time of the incident.

"Around 3:30 p.m., my mom sent me a news article and then I called my brother instantly and he said it was his house," the sibling said. "It's just sad because they just moved in a year and half ago and they put in a lot of work into the house and now it's all gone."

FOX 32 also spoke to Julia Bosowski, the homeowner's mother.

"I'm just happy that nobody was here and they're okay," she said.

Surveillance footage inside Napoli Pizza Place showed glass bottles falling off a shelf after the explosion.

"The doors were blasted off their hinges. It was kinda weird, like the locks were blown open," said Roewer.

St. Mary Catholic Church, which is directly across the street from the home, was evacuated and those in surrounding residences were advised to shelter in place, according to the Woodstock Fire and Rescue District.

The area of Tyron Street between Washington Street and Judd Street was closed while Nicor gas worked to mitigate the natural gas leak.

"It was very scary. I was almost in tears on my drive back here. I had a dog in the garage," said Emery Langmer whose home also sustained damage.

Two firefighters suffered minor injuries in the aftermath of the explosion.

Nicor gas officials confirmed that gas had been cut off from the area.

"The safety of the public and every family we serve is our No. 1 value," a spokesperson wrote in a statement to the Sun-Times. "Nicor crews are onsite working with first responders to safely secure the area and to assist local authorities with their investigation of this incident."

Sun-Times Media Wire contributed to this report.