2 gas company workers injured in Romeoville townhouse explosion

Two Nicor Gas workers were injured — one of them seriously — when two townhouse units exploded Tuesday night in southwest suburban Romeoville.

When emergency crews arrived about 7:30 p.m., the units at Wespark Boulevard and Strawflower Court were destroyed, according to a statement from the Village of Romeoville.

The workers had been repairing a leak that was reported earlier in the afternoon. One was taken to a hospital in serious condition, and the other’s injuries were considered minor, village officials said.

No residents were injured, but several units near the explosion were evacuated as a precaution, officials said.

Two children were among the 21 who were displaced, according to a statement from the American Red Cross. The Red Cross helped them find shelter and will follow up with the families to determine additional health service and disaster relief needs.

Crews were still at the scene detecting gas and shutting off a main in the area as of 9:30 p.m.

“Our top concern is for the well-being of the injured employees,” Nicor spokeswoman Jae Miller said in an email. “The safety of our employees, our customers and the general public is of utmost importance, and we are assisting local authorities with the investigation.”