On Monday morning, a Chemtool chemical manufacturing plant in Rockton, Illinois exploded, shooting a thick dark cloud of smoke into the sky that could be seen for miles.
MASSIVE EXPLOSION seen at Rockton, IL's Chemtool plant. (Courtesy: WLS). LATEST: https://t.co/RGYxyJ8k2e pic.twitter.com/AtehTezor8
— Eyewitness News WTVO/WQRF (@MyStateline) June 14, 2021
The incident happened early in the morning on Monday at around 7am at Chemtool's 1165 Prairie Hill Road facility. The plume from the explosion was large enough to be clearly visible on satellite:
BREAKING: @NOAA's #GOES16?? caught the black #SmokePlume from the chemical plant explosion and fire that rocked #Rockton, Illinois this morning. A one-mile radius has been evacuated around the fire. #chemtoolfire pic.twitter.com/bfBmEMJlxv
— NOAA Satellites - Public Affairs (@NOAASatellitePA) June 14, 2021
It was also visible on the ground 13 miles away:
Just for some perspective on the Chemtool fire...this is the cloud from about 13 miles away near N. 2nd St. and River Ln. pic.twitter.com/qq4XiMDa5u
— Eric Wilson (@Eric_Wilson99) June 14, 2021
The company is a manufacturer of fluids, lubricants and other greases. They export to many different countries across the world.
Fortunately, it appears there were no deaths or injuries related to the incident. However, people within a mile of the site have been temporarily evacuated, although it appears that the imminent danger is over. However, the air quality is being analyzed to ensure that it is at safe levels before residents can return.
Chemtool released a statement that said:
"We have confirmed all on site are safe and accounted for. Our concern right now is for the safety of all our employees and the surrounding community. As a precaution, authorities have evacuated residents in a one-mile radius of the site,"
"We do not yet know what caused this incident, but we will be working with local authorities and with our own risk management team to determine what happened and identify any corrective actions. We will share more details as they are known."
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