News

Explosion destroys Hanover Park home

Posted May 14, 2009 11:00 pm

Lee Filas

From left, Alina Koniecka holding Nell Lewalski, neighbor Wanda Piotrowski, John Lewalski and Iloma Koniecka stand in front of their scorched home on the 2100 block of Laurel Avenue in Hanover Park. Bob Chwedyk | Staff Photographer

An early morning house explosion remains under investigation by Hanover Park fire officials.

Battalion Chief Richard Hish of the Hanover Park Fire Department said no family members were injured in the fire that started at 3:15 a.m. in the 2100 block of Laurel Avenue.

He said one firefighter was injured while battling the blaze, but he was treated at St. Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates and released.

One of the home's two cats perished in the fire, officials said.

The cause of the explosion remains under investigation, he said, though fire officials said the explosion occurred in a car parked about five feet away from the front of the house then carried over to the home.

Fire officials said the house is uninhabitable due to the heavy fire and smoke damage. Hish estimated the home sustained about $180,000 in damages.

He also said the floor of the second story collapsed in the blaze.

Alina Koniecka and 2-year-old Nell Lewaski stand outside their scorched home. Bob Chwedyk | Staff Photographer

The blaze started in this vehicle exploding in the driveway of the home. Bob Chwedyk | Staff Photographer

Homeowner John Lewaski, right, and neighbor Wanda Piotrowski look over some scorched money found in his home. Bob Chwedyk | Staff Photographer

Article Comments

Article Categories
Communities Cook County Counties DuPage County Hanover Park News

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.