Gas leak leads to evacuation of Schaumburg homes

Approximately 100 residents were safely evacuated from three residential blocks in Schaumburg early Wednesday morning in response to a natural gas leak caused by the explosion of a malfunctioning outdoor pool heater.

No one was injured and no other property damaged in the pre-dawn incident, Schaumburg police Sgt. John Nebl said.

Schaumburg officers were called to the 200 block of South Natwick Lane at 3:51 a.m. in response to reports of explosions. The officers themselves reported hearing and feeling several explosions while checking the area.

Residents of the block as well as those on the blocks on either side were notified by officers going door-to-door as well as placement of a reverse 911 call to the affected homes. Officers from five neighboring communities were called in to assist with the evacuation.

Meanwhile, Schaumburg firefighters along with Nicor and ComEd representatives searched for the source of the explosions, tracing it to the outdoor pool heater by 4:30 a.m.

The gas supply to the unit was shut off and residents were allowed to return to their homes shortly afterward, Nebl said.