Video shows dramatic moment garbage truck explodes in Arlington Heights

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. - Newly released police video captured the dramatic moment a garbage truck exploded in Arlington Heights Friday afternoon, injuring two police officers and one firefighter. 

The blast occurred shortly after 4 p.m. on Derbyshire, just south of Euclid Avenue, as authorities were responding to a fire involving the truck.

The explosion, caused by a fire in a garbage truck powered by compressed natural gas, sent debris flying several blocks, damaging property and vehicles. 

On Tuesday, Arlington Heights officials said while the exact cause of the explosion remained under investigation, the "working theory" was that an uncontrolled combustion within the truck's garbage collection hopper surrounded the trash and provided fuel to the fire. Heat rose to the roof where the compressed natural gas tanks are located and the fire ignited one or more of the gas tanks, causing the explosion.

MORE: Garbage truck explosion in Arlington Heights injures 2 officers, 1 firefighter

Arlington Heights police said the blast was significant, with a shockwave causing shattered windows, roof and siding damage to nearby homes, and even shattering the windshield of a fire engine.

The officers and firefighter were injured by flying debris and a "post-blast concussion," but all three are expected to recover from non-life-threatening injuries. They were taken to a local hospital for treatment.

Arlington Heights fire crews were able to contain the blaze, but the explosion caused substantial damage to the area.

Residents whose property was damaged by the blast are urged to contact 911 to file a report.