Explosion Injures Two at Illinois Chemical Plant

Two workers were hurt Tuesday morning following an explosion at a chemical plant in Illinois, which led to a significant hazardous materials response and a temporary shelter-in-place order for nearby employees.

This incident took place shortly before 8 a.m. at the Coogee Chemical facility in Ottawa, a small city located southwest of Chicago, according to officials.

Reports indicate that the explosion was triggered by a magnesium fire—known for its intense and dangerous nature that cannot be extinguished with water—and a malfunction in oxygen sensor equipment that allowed oxygen levels to rise dangerously high.

The Ottawa Fire Department stated, “Initial investigation results suggest that the explosion may have stemmed from equipment failure during the magnesium transfer to a storage container.”

“It is believed that a failure in this system caused oxygen levels to rise, reacting with the magnesium and causing the explosion,” they added.

The injured employees were quickly taken to a local hospital, though details regarding their injuries are still unclear. One worker was rescued by a first responder team while the other managed to evacuate voluntarily to a nearby building.

The fire department noted that the initial entry team from the trucking company was the first to respond, finding the injured employee and swiftly transporting them to emergency personnel.

A follow-up search confirmed that all staff were accounted for in the facility.

Crews had to utilize special industrial dry chemicals to extinguish the magnesium fire since water could exacerbate the situation. The fire was under control by approximately 8:14 a.m., just about 15 minutes after it ignited.

As a precaution, nearby roads were temporarily closed by Ottawa Police and the Illinois Department of Transportation, with residents advised to shelter in place.

All personnel at the scene underwent standard decontamination protocols, and a hazardous materials team assisted in decontaminating the patient at the hospital. Thankfully, the fire inflicted minimal damage to the facility, but operations are currently suspended while investigations proceed.

Illinois OSHA is involved in the investigation.