This morning, there was a serious explosion at Arens Controls located at 3602 N. Kennicott Ave. in Arlington Heights. The blast claimed the life of one worker and left several others injured. Emergency services were immediately called to the scene, and an EMS Box Alarm was activated to bring in additional ambulances to handle the influx of patients. Responders came from neighboring towns including Buffalo Grove, Wheeling, Palatine, and Prospect Heights to support the Arlington Heights emergency teams.
The initial report suggests that the explosion took place around 9 a.m. and involved a machine that contained a diluted form of potassium hydroxide, a chemical known for its potential to ignite combustible materials when mixed with water or other substances. Thankfully, fire officials have confirmed that the chemical fumes did not pose any immediate threat to nearby residents.
When first responders arrived, they found the building filled with smoke and discovered one employee who had tragically perished in the incident. Ten individuals, including seven Arens employees and three police officers, were taken to the hospital for treatment due to respiratory issues. While their injuries are not considered life-threatening, it’s clear that the aftermath has been significant.
Larry Shapiro was on the scene shortly after the explosion and captured some powerful images showing the aftermath, including ambulances staged along Kennicott Avenue and workers waiting for further instructions outside the damaged building. Additional photos showcase the extensive damage to the roof and the numerous cars in the parking lot that were struck by debris.
The Chicago Tribune provided more details about the event, highlighting how the explosion also caused rocks from the roof to be propelled into a nearby parking lot, damaging approximately 20 vehicles. Fire Chief Glenn Ericksen noted that firefighters quickly responded to the emergency call and managed to contain the situation effectively.
For those interested in learning more, the full Tribune article can be found [here](link), alongside related updates [here](link), [here](link), and [here](link). Shapiro's photographs give a vivid portrayal of the chaos and recovery efforts following such a devastating incident.
If you’re looking for more visuals, additional images can be viewed [here](link). This event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced daily by workers and first responders alike.
Wuxi Changchen Technology Co., Ltd , https://www.wxchangchen.com