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An explosion at Arens Controls, located at 3602 N. Kennicott Ave. in Arlington Heights, this morning resulted in the death of one worker and injuries to several others. Emergency services were quickly mobilized, with an EMS Box Alarm dispatched to bring in additional ambulances from nearby areas such as Buffalo Grove, Wheeling, Palatine, and Prospect Heights to assist with the response.
A photo taken by Larry Shapiro shows ambulances lined up along Kennicott Avenue, preparing to transport injured individuals to local hospitals. The scene was chaotic, with first responders working swiftly to manage the situation and ensure the safety of all involved.
According to a report from the Chicago Tribune, the explosion occurred inside a machine that used a diluted form of potassium hydroxide, a chemical known to be potentially flammable if mixed with water or other substances. Fire officials confirmed that while the fumes did not pose a risk to nearby residents, the blast was powerful enough to send debris into a nearby parking lot, damaging approximately 20 vehicles.
The explosion happened around 9 a.m., and when police arrived, they found the building filled with smoke and one employee already deceased. A total of ten people—seven employees and three officers—were treated for respiratory issues and transported to hospitals, though none were in life-threatening condition.
Local firefighters, including units from Buffalo Grove, worked alongside Arlington Heights crews to assess the damage and secure the area. Workers were seen outside the building, waiting for further instructions from company management.
Additional photos from the scene show emergency vehicles on standby, paramedics tending to patients, and firefighters inspecting the roof for structural damage. More images can be viewed here.
For more details, you can read the full article from the Chicago Tribune and other local outlets.