Lemont, IL (May 3, 2023) – One person has died, and a second victim was left injured following a major petroleum plant explosion in Chicago’s southwestern suburbs.

The incident was reported at around 10:00 a.m. on April 25.

According to reports provided by the Will County Sheriff’s Office, an explosion took place at the Seneca Petroleum Plant located in the area of 127th Street and New Avenue. The incident is believed to have originated in an asphalt plant located at the petroleum plant.

One person was fatally wounded as a result of the explosion. A second victim suffered injuries and was transported to Silver Cross Hospital for emergency treatment.

At this time, the incident is being investigated.

We hope the injured victim is able to make a full and timely recovery.

We offer our condolences to the family of the person who lost their life as a result of this incident.

Fatal Explosions in the United States

Statistics from 2020 show that more than 980 explosions take place in the United States annually. These accidents leave thousands of people with injuries while taking the lives of countless individuals. There are several instances where these explosions take place as a direct result of some form of negligence.

One of the most common contributing factors to fatal explosions in our country is safety violations. When people do not follow protocol, it can have severe and devastating consequences for everyone around. Other common factors in fatal explosions include:

  • Human errors
  • Defective equipment
  • Poor maintenance
  • Improperly stored chemicals

These and other factors continue to contribute to a significant number of explosions here in our country. If your loved one has died as a result of a fatal explosion, you must reach out to our wrongful death lawyers as soon as possible. Our team is available to help your family protect your legal rights and get justice after enduring the loss of a loved one due to a fatal explosion.

Following a fatal explosion, your family is able to seek compensation for some of the losses and damages that you face. This can include funeral costs, burial expenses, lost earning capacity, and more. Having a dedicated and fearless system legal team by your side can make all of the difference when it comes to your family’s ability to protect your legal rights, hold the negligent parties accountable, and get justice for your loved one.

Burg Simpson's national explosion lawyers have more than four decades of experience representing families who have lost loved ones due to fatal explosions across the United States. We remain fully committed to helping those harmed due to the negligence of others. We understand that taking legal action can be time-consuming and overwhelming, so we will remain by your side every step of the way to make sure your family is able to get justice. Please feel free to reach out to our law firm at (888) 895-2080 to schedule a free consultation to see how our team can help your family get justice.