Man dies after natural gas explosion causes fire in Oak Park apartment building

A natural gas explosion at an Oak Park apartment building Wednesday caused a fire, knocking down portions of a wall and killing one person, officials said.

OAK PARK, Ill. - A 64-year-old man is dead after a natural gas explosion caused a fire at an apartment building Wednesday in Oak Park.

The explosion occurred about 5:30 p.m. in the 200 block of South Maple Avenue, Oak Park spokesperson Dan Yopchick said.

David Rechs was taken to Loyola University Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead about 8:30 p.m. Thursday, according to officials and the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office.

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The explosion set the building ablaze and knocked down sections of a wall, leaving about 12 other residents displaced, Yopchick said.

Fire Marshal investigates Oak Park building explosion

A building explosion in Oak Park left one person seriously injured Wednesday evening. The Illinois Fire Marshal is investigating the massive natural gas explosion at a multi-unit building. Twelve others have been displaces.

A preliminary investigation indicated a natural gas explosion inside the building, officials said.

An investigation is ongoing.