Community support grows for Elgin family left homeless by explosion

Elgin authorities expect next week to have a report on what may have caused a gas leak, explosion and fire at a northeast side house Tuesday night.

Meanwhile, the community is rallying to find ways to help the Montes family, whose home at 708 Elma Ave. was destroyed.

Two bank accounts have been established and clothes, food, toys and other items will be accepted at the New Covenant Church, 856 Parkway Ave., Elgin, from now through Sunday.

On Tuesday, Jan. 19, the staff at Coleman Elementary, where 7-year-old Christian Montes is a second-grader, will accept items for the family.

Coleman Principal Brian Stark said Christian returned to school Thursday.

"He seems to be doing fine. His class was really excited to have him back," Stark said. "We've had so many people coming to say, 'What can we do? How can we help?' It's been wonderful."

Stark said the school had social workers on hand Wednesday to talk to students worried that an explosion could strike their homes as well.

The homeowner, Isais Montes, 50, was in critical condition at the Loyola Medical Center in Maywood on Wednesday. Officials there said they had no information on him Thursday.

His wife, Rutila Montes, 48, was treated and released from Provena St. Joseph Hospital in Elgin, along with Christian Montes.

Carolina Montes, 23, was in good condition at Sherman Hospital in Elgin and expected to be released later Thurday, hospital officials said.

Family friend Sabiola Martinez, 23, was taken to St. Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates. A phone message left at the hospital was not immediately returned Thursday.

Both Carolina and Sabiola are students at Northern Illinois University.

A 51-year-old Nicor worker who was investigating a gas leak next door at 710 Elma on Tuesday also was taken to Provena St. Joseph early Wednesday morning, authorities said.

Nicor spokesman Richard Caragol said the worker has since been treated and released. Caragol said Nicor is working with authorities to determine a cause.

Elgin fire officials on Thursday referred inquiries to Sue Olafson, the city's public information officer.

"The investigation continues and we are expecting to release a full report early next week," she said.

On Wednesday night Elgin Fire Chief Jack Henrici said natural gas from a break in a 2-inch-diameter transmission line accumulated in the Montes' basement.

"We knew it was a gas leak and obviously the gas permeated into the building and found a source of ignition," he said. "That's the only thing we know. There was a gas leak and Nicor was involved and working on the problem and something happened (Tuesday) at 8:48 p.m."

Monetary donations are accepted at two banks: either location at the Elgin State Bank, 1001 S. Randall Road, Elgin, 60123, or 445 Summit St., Elgin, 60120. Make checks to the Montes Family Relief Fund, account number 95417920.

Donations also are accepted at any National City Bank location in Elgin, including 28 N. Grove Ave., Elgin, 60120. Make checks payable to the Montes Family Fund, account number 2696829415.

Items needed include: medium sized men's tops and pants with a 30-inch waist and 30-inch inseam; large women's tops and bottoms; small to medium girls tops and bottoms and medium to large boys clothes.