Fire guts Elk Grove area businesses
A fire broke out at about 7 a.m. today, gutting businesses at 2501 E. Oakton in Elk Grove Township.
The blaze occurred in a 13-unit strip mall just west of Elmhurst Road on Oakton.
No injuries were reported.
Fire officials say the cause is unknown at this point but they continue to investigate.
The intense blaze essentially gutted the building and collapsed the roof.
John Riggans had planned to open a car electronics store at the center in April, but it is completely destroyed now.
"I feel really bad," he said. "I'm down to zero now. The shop was going well. Customers were coming and asking when we were going to open."
The strip mall included several restaurants, an Indian grocery store, an electronics store and a shoe repair shop.
Firefighters from Elk Grove Township, Elk Grove Village, Rosemont and Des Plaines Fire Departments responded to the blaze.