Police: Residents argued before fatal Mundelein house explosion, fire

(MUNDELEIN) A person killed in a Mundelein house explosion last week suffered apparent self-inflicted injuries, and an argument happened at the home just before the blast, police said Monday.

Firefighters were called to the explosion at a home in the 900 block of Killarney Pass Drive just before noon Friday, Mundelein fire officials said.

One person was found dead after the ensuing blaze and another person was taken to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville in an unknown condition, officials said.

Investigators have since learned that two people who lived at the home had argued before the explosion happened, police said in a statement Monday.

The explosion originated from an attached garage, which contained flammable and combustible materials that have typical household uses, police said.

Investigators ruled out any connection to a natural gas explosion, police said.

An examination by the Lake County coroner’s office showed the individual killed had self-inflicted injuries, police said. The person’s name has not been released as authorities work to make a positive identification.

Fire officials respond to a reported home explosion in north suburban Mundelein on Friday. | photo from Network Video Productions

“I was out walking the dog and I was over there and I heard a big boom and saw the flash,” said one neighbor who lives nearby.

“I ran outside to see what was going on and the whole place was on fire. Unbelievable,” said Mike, a neighbor who declined to give his last name. He said was at home when the sound of the blast knocked him off his couch.

A five-bedroom home at the address provided by fire officials was listed for sale at the time of the blast, according to several real estate websites.

Fire officials respond to a reported home explosion in north suburban Mundelein on Friday. | photo from Network Video Productions