Chicago explosion: Water plant roof COLLAPSES as fire rips through building
AN EXPLOSION has rocked a water reclamation plant in Chicago causing the collapse of the roof of the building and injuring at least eight people, authorities have confirmed.
Chicago: Water plant roof collapses after explosion in Riverdale
Three people were reportedly trapped inside the plant, and their health conditions are currently unclear.
And Chicago Fire Department spokesman Larry Merritt confirmed to Chicago Tribune that all of the injured were taken to area hospitals in serious-to-critical condition.
Firefighters were seen rescuing one person from the building.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District said that one person reporting cuts has been transported to Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
The number and extent of other injuries is not known.
A Chopper7HD flew above the plant as firefighters searched the rubble as part of a search and rescue operation.
But firefighters have asked television stations to keep their helicopters away from the scene as the noise makes it difficult for them to hear if anyone is still inside.
The plant is located on the Far Southeast Side in the Riverdale neighbourhood of Chicago.
A man who lives in the area was shocked by the devastating strength of the explosion.
He told ABC7 Chicago: "I never felt nothing like that, the type of vibration.“
The cause of the explosion, which took place at approximately 5pm BST (11am local time) is not known.