2 severely burned in Naperville restaurant explosion

Two people were injured in an explosion Wednesday night at a Naperville restaurant, fire officials said.

The explosion took place around 10:55 p.m. at Gigi's Restaurant, 2728 W. 111th St. The restaurant is at the intersection with Route 59.

The explosion blew out the front windows and dislodged the front wall of the restaurant, Naperville fire officials said.

The restaurant is located in a strip mall. The blast was followed by a fire.

Smoke and fire were showing from the roof at the building's rear when fire officials arrived.

Two men were severely burned in the explosion. Both were taken to Edward Hospital in Naperville before being transported to the burn center at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood.

Fire officials said the identities of the injured and their affiliation with Gigi's Restaurant were not known on Thursday.

The restaurant was closed at the time of the explosion. Neighboring businesses in the strip mall did receive some damage as firefighters checked to make sure the fire was out.

The strip mall was closed Thursday while police and fire officials continued to investigate the cause of the explosion.